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Green Trends
Wineries Going “GREEN”
While many wineries world wide have made the decision to grow their grapes organically (without pesticides, herbicides and chemical fertilizers), some have gone a step further to reduce their carbon footprint by finding more energy-efficient methods of wine production. The production changes also provide healthcare benefits for their workers. For example, wineries are using biodiesel tractors and eco-friendly packaging. Many are using sheep or other grazing animals instead of lawnmowers to reduce carbon emissions. Other eco-friendly trends include composting winery waste, incorporating solar power, implementing water conservation techniques, green packaging (including tetra packs, twist-caps, aluminum bottles and recycled cardboard options) and focusing on such issues as sustainability for the long term. It is important to note that a vast majority of the cost of wine production is in the packaging (bottles, corks) and in transportation. Creating more environmentally friendly, lighter packaging is ultimately better for the environment by reducing both the cost and resources needed for manufacturing and shipping, ultimately reducing the carbon footprint left behind.
In June 2009, Forbes.com looked at some eco friendly wineries worldwide and selected the top eight environmentally friendly wines worth trying. Selections included:
Grove Mill Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2008 (New Zealand)
Castellare Chianti Classico 2006 (Italy)
Cono Sur Reserve Riesling Bio Bio 2008 (Chile)
Yalumba Organic Shiraz Barossa Valley 2007 (Australia)
Backsberg Elbar Pearl 2007 (South Africa)
Los Robles Fairtrade Carmenere 2007 (Chile)
Cullen Ellen Bussell Red Magaret River 2008 (Australia)
Banock Station Shiraz Mataro 2008 (Australia)
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