Decarbonization Strategies in the Wine Supply Chain: From Environmental Mitigation Towards Integrated Sustainability Management

The decarbonization of agri-food supply chains represents a critical challenge and an opportunity for achieving global climate targets and Sustainable Development Goals, extending beyond pure environmental mitigation to integrated sustainability management. This study focuses on the wine industry, a major global sector with significant macroeconomic weight and substantial potential for emission reductions. Through a systematic literature review, this research maps scientific trends and identifies strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions across the entire supply chain, from viticulture and winemaking to distribution and waste valorization. Analyzing 65 publications, this study identifies three thematic clusters: (i) agronomic and environmental practices (Cluster 1); (ii) innovation, social welfare, and corporate governance (Cluster 2); and (iii) energy transitions and methodological accounting tools (Cluster 3). The key findings highlight that while packaging and logistics remain primary emission hotspots, significant mitigation can be achieved through soil carbon sequestration, renewable energy adoption, and circular economy practices. This research contributes a cohesive set of sustainability-oriented operational strategies derived from previously fragmented technical mitigation strategies. By acknowledging that decarbonization strategies extend beyond ecological metrics, this framework address the intersecting socioeconomic and operational impacts experienced by local communities. The results reveal a disconnect between macro-level legislative frameworks, such as the European Green Deal, and micro-level operationalization. This review highlights the need for a shift toward harmonized governance and standardized metrics to reconcile competitiveness with climate stewardship.