Assessment of the Carbon Footprint of <scp>PDO</scp> / <scp>PGI</scp> Wine Production and Transport: A Case Study From Laconia Region, Greece

ABSTRACT The agri‐food sector plays a pivotal role in global sustainability efforts due to its significant environmental impacts, particularly in greenhouse gas emissions. Among its sub‐sectors, the production and export of wine labeled as Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) or Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) presents both opportunities and challenges in reducing the carbon footprint of small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs). This study quantifies the carbon footprint of PDO/PGI wine production and international distribution for a representative SME winery based in Laconia, Greece, over the period of 01/01/2023–31/12/2023. Using established carbon accounting protocols and life cycle assessment (LCA) principles, data were collected across the full production and supply chain, including vineyard operations, winemaking, packaging, and road transport to domestic and retail destinations. The analysis revealed total gross cradle‐to‐retail emissions of 443.631 kg CO 2 ‐eq per year (1.11 kg CO 2 ‐eq per bottle). When a separately reported vineyard carbon‐storage sensitivity scenario (−550.375 kg CO 2 ‐eq per year) is considered, the indicative net carbon balance becomes −106.744 kg CO 2 ‐eq per year (−0.27 kg CO 2 ‐eq per bottle). Road transportation was identified as the largest contributor to overall emissions. The analysis highlights key emission hotspots and demonstrates that vineyard carbon‐storage assumptions can significantly influence the overall carbon balance. This case study provides a replicable methodology for other SMEs in the agri‐food sector seeking to measure and reduce their environmental footprint. It also highlights the value of PDO/PGI frameworks not only in preserving quality and origin but also in promoting sustainability and carbon accountability across agricultural value chains.