IP Suisse, Bio and Demeter - what the labels mean on a bottle of wine

In Switzerland, winegrowers have to comply with numerous regulations, both in the vineyards and in the cellars. Even in conventional viticulture, the quantity of plant protection products that can be used is precisely regulated. If a winery aspires to greater sustainability and ecological compatibility, it can obtain certification. The requirements vary depending on the label.

The IP-Suisse label stands for Integrated Production (IP) and focuses on sustainable, environmentally-friendly viticulture. Winegrowers who work to IP-Suisse guidelines combine modern agricultural techniques with traditional methods that respect nature. The aim is to reduce the use of pesticides and chemical fertilisers to a minimum. Instead, the emphasis is on biological pest control and soil maintenance. Preserving biodiversity also plays an important role: for example, IP-Suisse winegrowing estates encourage species diversity by planting flower strips or using beneficial insects. The use of genetically modified organisms is not permitted.

Wines bearing the Bio Suisse Bud label must comply with strict guidelines that go beyond the requirements of IP-Suisse. In organic viticulture, synthetic pesticides and mineral nitrogen fertilisers are banned. Organic winegrowers rely on natural cycles and organic matter to maintain the soil and keep the vines in good health. Thanks to the gentle use of machinery and techniques, they preserve the health of the soil. The winery is also subject to certain requirements: for example, the addition of sulphur is only permitted in much smaller quantities than in conventional viticulture.

Demeter goes one step further than organic and stands for biodynamic viticulture. This method is based on the ideas of the anthroposophist Rudolf Steiner and views the vineyard as a closed organism. Demeter producers use special biodynamic preparations, based on medicinal plants or cow dung, which are applied during certain phases of the moon. These preparations are used to enhance the life of the soil and stimulate the vitality of the vines. Strict rules are also applied in the cellars. The grapes must be harvested by hand and the use of additives or technical interventions is strictly limited.

In Switzerland and abroad, there are many other labels that attest to a wine's environmental compatibility. One example is Vinatura, a label awarded by Vitiswiss, the Swiss association for sustainable development in viticulture. The Vinatura label guarantees consumers that the product has been produced in accordance with sustainable development guidelines.

Natural wine has gained a lot of notoriety in recent years. However, it is not a protected term, nor is there a ‘natural wine’ label. TheAssociation Suisse du Vin Naturel (ASVN), founded in 2021, has nevertheless adopted strict rules. These stipulate that natural wine is an organic wine that is entirely free from additives, filtration and added sulphites. What's more, harvesting by hand is compulsory.

Whether we're talking about IP-Suisse, Bio or Demeter, the three labels are synonymous with viticulture that focuses on sustainability and respect for the environment, albeit to varying degrees. For consumers, the labels are a guide to making informed choices when buying wine. However, certifications say nothing about taste or quality. So you have to find out for yourself what your preferences are.