| 53 Felton Road winery is strongly focused on protecting the environment by reducing carbon emissions. Certified organic since 2007 Felton Road Wines T T Richard Loader REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Internationally regarded for its selection of fine wines, Felton Road has been certified organic and biodynamic since 2007, but winemaker Blair Walter suggests certification should be the responsibility of farmers that use chemicals to produce the food we consume. “Why should the noble organic farmers have to spend the extra to be certified to demonstrate their commitment to the environment and growing healthy produce. The supermarket aisles should clearly list the chemicals that have been applied to the lettuces, caulis and cabbages.” Felton Road was founded in 1991 by Stewart Elms with 11 hectares of grapes initially planted, and a vision to become an internationally recognised fine wine estate. Stewart had a background in fine wines and an appreciation of the great wines of the world, so that was a key contributor to the vision and the mantra followed by the team. “For several years running UK’s Drinks International magazine ranked us as one of the most admired brands in the world, topping out at number 13 on that list and always between 13 and 27. When you see the prestigious wineries that we were positioned against you would have to say that Stewart’s vision was realised.” Over the years the vineyard has grown to 34 hectares planted, with Pinot Noir accounting for 70% of its wine, Chardonnay about 20%, and Riesling just under 10%. Blair says the Felton Road team has always been interested in having a very light touch on the environment and that led to them becoming members of International Wineries for Climate Action (IWCA). “It’s an endorsement of our strong commitment to reducing carbon emissions and we all have a responsibility to play as we race to zero emissions by 2050. IWCA produces a carbon emissions calculator that is specific to the wine industry. When you visit our Cellar Door you will be asked about how you travelled here, where you came from and where are you going to. “We’ve had to ban helicopters visiting us because of the carbon emissions we would be responsible for as part of IWCA’s membership, and we explain to other visitors the virtues of transitioning to electric vehicles. So in part, it’s also about educating people.” Blair points out that the glass bottle itself is a winery’s biggest contributor to carbon emissions. “Studies on any winery business will show that of scope 1, 2 and 3 carbon emissions, 40% - 60% will be the glass bottle itself. Using lightweight glass is the biggest step you can take to reduce carbon footprint, and we started doing that over 15 years ago. Earlier this year Felton Road became B Corp (Benefit Corporation) certified, which shows that the company exists for the benefit of all stakeholders including your customers, staff, community, and the environment. Since 2001, safeguarding Felton Road Wines: Your trusted vineyard insurance partner for peace of mind. 0800 887 139 broker@crbroker .co.nz A MEMBER OF NZBROKERS Freephone: 0800 11 37 47 | Phone: +64 6 867 1120 | Email: info@riversun.co.nz | www.riversun.co.nz NEW ZEALAND'S LEADING SUPPLIER OF CERTIFIED GRAFTED GRAPEVINES
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