Sileni Estates has implemented and maintains both the ISO14001 and Sustainable Winegrowing certification.

ISO14001
Sileni Estates achieved ISO14001 certification in May 2002. By being ISO14001 accredited we have endorsed our commitment to sustainable viticulture and winemaking practices.

ISO14001 is an Environmental Management System that requires us to look at our inputs and outputs and the effects these have on the environment. In understanding and measuring these we can continuously improve our performance.

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Sustainable Winegrowing Vineyard and Winery     
New Zealand has long been famed for its stunning unspoilt landscape. New Zealand’s small population, isolated location and agricultural economy have earned the country a pure New Zealand image. New Zealand grape growers and winemakers aim to keep it that way by protecting the environmental integrity of their wine production.  

To this end a pioneering set of industry standards have been developed, known as Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand (SWNZ). SWNZ provides the framework for companies to continually work towards improving aspects of their performance in terms of environmental, social and economic sustainability in both the vineyard and winery.

 

SWNZ was commercially introduced in 1997 for the vineyard and adopted by growers from all the grape growing regions. The introduction of a winery scorecard in 2002 further substantiates the industry claim "New Zealand Wine, the riches of a clean green land".

Wines that are produced from 100% accredited vineyards and made in accredited wineries can carry the sustainable winegrowing logo.

 

For more information please visit the Sustainable Winegrowing website and look out for the logo.

Winery
Marc (skins and stalks) Disposal – A compost site was constructed in time for vintage 2006, to enable the transformation of this waste product into a useful compound that can be used to improve soil health in the vineyard.

Energy Use
The winery has been investigating methods to reduce the energy consumption required to cool and heat wine and juice. A number of these methods have already been introduced, resulting in significant savings. A new refrigeration plant is to be installed before vintage 2009, which will further improve energy efficiencies.

 

Alternative Packaging 

Sileni is investigating the use of alternative packaging solutions that are more readily recyclable, and require less energy for transport and manufacture.

 

Vineyard
Encouraging Beneficial Insects – The vineyards are trialing the planting of flowering species to increase the number of beneficial insects in the vineyard. It is hoped that this will reduce the need for chemical control of insect pests.

 

Native plants have been introduced into the vineyard to increase biodiversity.

 

Compost Use 

Chemical and biological testing methods will be used to determine the best method for applying compost in the vineyard.

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