Purpose The present study aims to examine the influence of cleaner production (CP) on the sustainable performance (SP) of Spanish wineries, along with the intermediary effects of circular cconomy practices (CEPs) and green innovation (GI) on this primary relationship. Design/methodology/approach A conceptual model based on the natural resource-based view and the theory of ecological modernization theories was tested using PLS-SEM with data from 196 Spanish wineries, allowing the assessment of complex relationships and mediation effects among the key constructs. Findings The findings indicate a positive and significant influence of CP on the SP of Spanish wineries, with CEPs and GI serving as partial mediators in this main linkage. Originality/value This study pioneers the joint analysis of CEPs and GI as mediators between CP and SP, addressing an unexplored area in academic literature and offering a novel theoretical contribution by integrating two complementary frameworks. The focus on the wine industry further enhances its originality, given the sector's strategic sustainability relevance and lack of prior research in this domain.