Environment

Environment

At Taylors we understand that green is as important as red and white. We’re committed to protecting the local natural environment and pursuing ecological sustainable outcomes for our winery. To meet these commitments we’ve adopted a comprehensive environmental action plan. Some of the main areas covered by this plan are outlined below.


Water management

In 2005 we commissioned a state-of-the-art water recycling plant. This plant recycles 100% of the waste water generated by our winery and bottling hall for re-use on our vineyards. In addition to the recycling of waste water, all of the storm water and associated run off from the winery buildings is also harvested. Two lined dams eliminate water loss from ‘seepage’ and all irrigation is carried out using computer controlled ‘need-only’ dripper lines to each vine.


Composting and mulching

All solid organic waste material produced in the winemaking process, including grape marc is utilised as compost on the vineyards. And since 2001, we’ve used organic matter to mulch the soil under the vines on our estate. This provides the benefits such as superior root growth near the soil surface to utilise water and nutrients, enhanced earthworm and soil microbe activity for healthier soils and reduced weed growth (which lowers herbicide use). In addition to our own compost, materials used for mulching include straw from farmers in surrounding districts and recycled organic waste purchased from local third party suppliers.


Organic cultivation practices – sheep in the vineyards

In 2009, we reintroduced sheep into our vineyards for the first time in 25 years. The sheep which are allowed to roam free within specific vineyard blocks, have been introduced as a means to keep winter grasses and weeds under control. This has led to an immediate reduction in the requirements for herbicides to control weeds and associated diesel fuel to run the spray tractors. An associated benefit is also that the manure waste from the sheep is used as a natural fertiliser and soil conditioner for the vines.


Minimisation of pesticides

We strictly follow the guidelines published annually by the AWRI, titled 'Agrochemicals Registered for Use in Australian Viticulture'. Insecticide application in the vineyards is minimised at all times with no broad spectrum insecticides in use. Continuous vineyard monitoring ensures that targeted spraying only takes place in the worst affected areas. For all spraying activity - air temperature, relative humidity and wind speed are monitored regularly during any spraying operation.


Regeneration of the local Wakefield River

The Wakefield River flows in a southerly direction through Auburn in the Clare Valley before turning west to flow through Balaklava and into the Port Wakefield estuary. Taylors Wines, through the formation of the River Wakefield Group, has championed a project to regenerate the Wakefield River through the control of weed species and the planting of local indigenous vegetation to enhance biodiversity.


Green Power™

Since 2008, our Head Office in Petersham, Sydney has been powered by renewable energy purchased through the NSW Government’s Green Power™ accreditation programme.


ISO 14001 certification – environmental management

In March 2009 we received ISO14001 certification for our Environmental Management System (EMS) at both the winery in the Clare Valley and our Head Office operation in Petersham, Sydney. The EMS assists in the identification and control of environmental impacts across the business whilst providing a framework for the preparation of our EMS.


Eco-mapping™

Taylors has implemented Eco-mapping™ – an advanced system to audit our environmental impact and adjust practice accordingly. The system is endorsed by the South Australian Environmental Protection Agency and allows us to effectively analyse and manage our environmental performance.

Through the creation of a series of visual ‘mud-maps’, Eco-mapping™ enables us to audit the environmental impact across a number of key measures:

• Water consumption
• Waste
• Noise and air emissions
• Soil contamination
• Environmental risks

The use of Eco-Mapping™ since 2006 has directly led to the creation of a series of environmental best practices across the business and provided the framework for Taylors Wines' Environmental Management System.

Australian Packaging Covenant Mentor Action Plan

The South Australian wine industry is a leading contributor to the economic success of the State, which gives it a high public profile. Accordingly, the South Australian Wine Industry Association (SAWIA) and its members are committed to being proactive and demonstrate leadership in the participation of environmental initiatives such as the Australian Packaging Covenant (APC). In 2002, SAWIA established a Mentor Program to support members in meeting their packaging waste obligations under the National Packaging Covenant (NPC). The Program has continued to grow and strengthen in line with the Covenants objectives.

Taylors Wines are proud signatories to the Australian Packaging Covenant along with being a member of the Mentor Program.

Click here to see the Australian Packaging Covenant Mentor Action Plan

Taylors Wines Sustainability Report
Click here to see the 2010-2011 Sustainability Report

Taylors Wines Environmental Policy
Click here to see the Taylors Environmental Policy