Collective ISO 14 001 and HVE3 certification for 120 Bordeaux estates

y collectively securing the first individual ISO 14 001 (2015 version) and level 3 ‘Haute Valeur Environnementale’ (HVE3) certifications, the Bordeaux Wine Environmental Management System (SME) has achieved a landmark moment for ecological French farming. On September 13, some of the individual HVE3 and ISO 14 001 certificates were presented to Bordeaux wine growers belonging to the SME association. The number of diplomas is unusually high, a first even, pointed out Fabien Zede, director of the Ocacia certification organisation which audited 11 wineries randomly selected last June. The expert also stressed that with 700 firms now certified HVE3 in France, the Bordeaux SME accounted for nearly one fifth of all certifications.

Since it was created in 2010, the SME has gone from strength to strength and is now aiming to shed its low profile for a more appealing and model approach. “Until now, the SME has focused on technicians and improving winery credentials. Now that we have crossed the 10% line in Bordeaux, we are focusing more on PR issues”, announced association chairman Philippe Bardet.

Maintaining momentum

With 233 voluntary members, the SME currently covers 11,300 hectares of vines, compared with 27 members and 2,000 ha in 2010. Member companies underscore the association’s pivotal role in maintaining a proactive approach to improving environmental credentials.