Code of Ethics of the UNION OF OENOLOGISTS OF THE CZECH REPUBLIC, z.s.

Article 1 – Compliance with regulations

Based on the Code of the International Union of Oenologists (UIOE), the Union of Oenologists of the Czech Republic, z.s. (hereinafter referred to as UO) must ensure that its members practice their profession in accordance with all legal regulations. Joining the UIOE requires National Unions to respect the laws of their country, the UO Statutes and the internal regulations of the UIOE.

Article 2 – Scope of application

The rules of the UO Code of Ethics (hereinafter referred to as the Code) are binding for all UO members. National federations must guarantee their knowledge of them, while ignorance of them does not relieve them of their responsibility. The conduct of a UO member must be consistent with respectability and decency and must at all times defend the profession and the status of oenologist. A UO member must avoid actions that would damage the name of other UIOE National Member Associations as well as the UIOE itself.

Article 3 – Failure to comply with the rules

Failure to comply with the obligations set forth in this Code, as well as any action or neglect causing harm to other UO or UIOE members, may be grounds for expulsion of a UO member.

Article 4 – Board of Directors

Representatives of the UO in International organisations and commissions must support the resolutions and decisions of the UIOE or, if any, the regulations established by the UO. In no case may they support their own statements or opinions.

Article 5 – Activities

A UO member is be a producer and promoter of dry wines (i.e. up to 4 g/l), by natural processes – maceration, ageing of wine on lees mainly in barrels and other natural containers, with the aim of achieving the authenticity of the wine from the locality and exploiting the maximum potential of the grape variety.

A UO member promotes the sale of white wines no earlier than one year after harvest, red wines no earlier than two years after harvest.

A UO member shall always promote the experiential consumption of wine over the mere consumption of alcohol in its behaviour towards its customers, business partners and the media.

A UO member actively supports UO activities at regular meetings and participates with its wines in the Dry Wines ON-LINE competition.

A UO member is cautious about participating in wine reviews with an unprofessional approach to the character of the wines (mostly youthful character with unfermented residual sugar to mask the true potential of the wine).

Article 6 – Difference of opinion

Each member of the UO must respect the esteem and reputation of the other members of the UO. Likewise, the UO itself must be in solidarity with the other national unions and respect their independence in expressing their views.

Article 7 – Sanctions

A UO member must inform the UO President whenever he/she considers that the conduct of other UO members may have a negative impact on the evaluation and professionalism of the UO as a whole. As soon as the UO management becomes aware of a UO member’s non-compliance with the Code, it will contact the UO Member immediately and, if the misconduct is confirmed, will bring the case to the UO General Assembly.

The UO General Assembly will evaluate the case, request further investigation if necessary, and if non-compliance with the Code is proven, vote to expel the UO member in accordance with Article 3 of the Code.

Lednice on 7 April 2022                                                

Prof. Ing. Mojmír Baroň, Ph.D.
Chairman of the Association