Updated November 2026
Short answer: sustainable wine tourism means visiting wineries that farm and operate responsibly, and traveling in a way that respects the land and the local community. In South America, organic and biodynamic farming is well established, and Argentina, Chile and Uruguay each have wineries and programs leading the way.
Wine lovers increasingly ask how their trip affects the places they visit. This guide explains what “sustainable” means at a winery, shows examples from our three main countries and gives practical tips for traveling more responsibly.
What “sustainable” means at a winery
- Organic farming: no synthetic pesticides, herbicides or fertilizers in the vineyard.
- Biodynamic farming: a stricter, holistic approach to the farm, certified by Demeter.
- Regenerative organic: goes further by requiring soil health, animal welfare and fair treatment of farmworkers.
- Social and community standards: certifications such as B Corp and Fair for Life.
- Resource use: water conservation, energy efficiency, biodiversity and waste reduction.
Certifications differ, so a good question for any winery is: what exactly is certified, and by whom?
Sustainable wineries and programs in South America
| Country | Example | What is notable |
|---|---|---|
| Argentina | Domaine Bousquet, Gualtallary (Uco Valley) | 100% certified organic since it was founded in 1997, also Demeter biodynamic, and the first winery outside the United States to earn Regenerative Organic certification (2022) |
| Chile | Emiliana, Casablanca, Maipo and Colchagua | A pioneer of organic and biodynamic wine in Chile, and the first Chilean company with Regenerative Organic certification |
| Uruguay | National sustainable winegrowing program | Coordinated by the national wine institute (INAVI), it had certified about a third of the country’s vineyard area by 2023 |
| Patagonia | Bodega Chacra, Río Negro | Old-vine Pinot Noir farmed organically and biodynamically |
See our guides to the Uruguay wine regions and the Patagonia wine region for more on these areas.
Do organic wines taste different?
Organic and biodynamic farming can give healthier vineyards, and many winemakers feel it helps express the character of the place. But quality depends far more on the vineyard site and the winemaker than on the certification, so choose a wine for how it tastes first and for how it is made second.
How to spot a genuinely sustainable winery
- Ask what is certified (organic, biodynamic, regenerative) and who certifies it.
- Look for specific practices: water conservation, renewable energy, cover crops and native vegetation.
- Look for community commitments, such as fair work and local hiring.
- Be wary of vague claims. Wineries that are truly sustainable are usually happy to explain how.
How to travel more responsibly on a wine trip
- Travel in small groups or privately: fewer vehicles and a lighter footprint at each winery.
- Stay longer in fewer places: fewer transfers and a deeper experience.
- Choose family and boutique wineries: your visit supports local producers.
- Eat local: winery lunches and regional restaurants keep money in the community.
That is how we design our trips: private tours and small-group departures with local guides, visiting family-run wineries. For example, our Uco Valley wine tour and Casablanca Valley wine tour take you to two of the regions where organic and biodynamic farming is strongest, and our small-group departures keep groups to 12 to 18 guests.
Sustainable wine tourism: what you need to know
What does a sustainable winery mean?
It combines responsible farming, such as organic or biodynamic methods, with careful use of water and energy and fair treatment of people. There is no single standard, so ask what a winery actually certifies.
Are organic wines better?
Not automatically. Organic farming helps the vineyard and the environment, but the quality in the glass depends mostly on the site and the winemaker.
Can I visit organic or biodynamic wineries in South America?
Yes. Argentina, Chile and Uruguay all have them. Tell us your interests and we will build them into your itinerary.
Want to visit wineries that care for the land? Contact us, or see our private tours in Argentina, Chile and Uruguay.