•Energy efficiency results reduce the carbon footprint of wine.•Sankey diagrams show the significant energy uses for wine production.•Capstone projects and a transdisciplinary analysis were carried out. Energy efficiency is an aspect highly related to the sustainability and competitiveness in the medium and long term of any company. This paper describes the theoretical and technical generalities of some case studies related to wine-producing companies located in the Guadalupe Valley, Mexico, which began the implementation of an energy management system based on ISO 50001 to optimize the use of energy and minimize the carbon footprint of its products (wine). The framework for these Capstone Projects and the multi-year energy balance analysis using Sankey diagrams are presented to determine the Energy Performance Indicators and Significant Energy Uses. In addition, considering the experiences gained in these projects, a transdisciplinary analysis is carried out to strengthen the sustainable life cycle of the wine based on resource efficiency as the main element from a circular economy approach. Display omitted