Vineyard Sustainability
Marc recycling
All marc from our presses goes straight out on our vineyards within 30 minutes of being emptied from the press. We distribute the marc down the middle of the rows (not under the vines – this would encourage roots to come to the surface) and it breaks down within 2 weeks. Being predominantly alluvial soils this has increased the organic matter of the vineyards significantly therefore the moisture retention (meaning less irrigation is necessary) is much healthier vines from the nutrients which ultimately means better wine!
We say NO to helicopters
Due to the harmful emissions from helicopters we have installed 14 new wind machines to replace the use of helicopters for frost protection.
Plastic Recycling
Wherever possible the empty spray containers are recycled through the Agrecovery programme (www.agrecovery.co.nz)
Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand
Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand was established by volunteer grapegrowers in August 1995 as an industry initiative directed through New Zealand Winegrowers. Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand was commercially introduced in 1997 and has been adopted by growers from all the grape growing regions. The introduction of a winery program in 2002 has been a significant development.
Native Planting
We purchased some bare land alongside the Opawa River (at a point known historically as Longbend) and have since turned that into a vineyard. The riverbanks were in need of some TLC so along with the Marlborough District Council we have undergone an extensive replanting programme of Karumu, Ribbonwood, Kohuhu, toe toe, cabbage tree, mingi mingi, flax, and Manuka over the next 2-3 years. We want to encourage the return of native bird life and fauna as well as preserve the river bank.
Organics
We are converting an area within our Longbend vineyard into organics.
