Yealands Estate scoops sustainability award

Published: 21 November, 2012

Yealands Estate has been awarded Most Sustainable Medium Business at the International Green Awards 2012, making it the only New Zealand organisation, and only winery globally, to receive the accolade.

The awards were created with the aim of identifying companies that have exhibited leadership and innovation in their sustainability approach.

The Most Sustainable Medium Business category is open globally to medium-sized enterprises, with total revenues between US$10 million and US$100 million. The judges said their aim was to reward an organisation that is innovating, challenging traditional wisdom and can show impressive first-hand results that can be replicated with other businesses. All entries were judged anonymously to avoid any prejudice.

Founder of the Marlborough-based winery, Peter Yealands, says this global recognition marks a coming of age for the winery. "We set out with a vision of best practice from the vine to the bottle. Since our launch, our goal has been to produce world-class wines and become a global leader in sustainable wine production. This award, in addition to recently winning the International Sauvignon Blanc trophy at the International Wine Challenge, demonstrates that we're well on the way to achieving that dream."

He added: "Yealands Estate continually strives to improve our sustainable practices. For us, sustainability is about using resources in a smarter way, which guarantees future supply and our profitability. We're conscious that our commitment needs to be tangible; being green is an integral part of who we are and for us it is essential to producing world-class wines."

New Zealand Winegrowers chief executive, Philip Gregan, says the win recognises New Zealand as a global leader in sustainable wine production. "The New Zealand Wine industry is committed to sustainable wine production and it's a great endorsement that one of our producers has been recognised on the international stage."

The winners were announced last night at the International Green Awards ceremony and dinner at Battersea Power Station, London. Yealands Estate Pinot Gris and Yealands Estate Pinot Noir were served throughout the evening, which was hosted by actor and impressionist Alistair McGowan.

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