Misty Cove Wines

Sustainability

We farm it
ourselves

322 hectares of Marlborough, farmed in-house rather than contracted out. We are an SWNZ accredited winery, working to best practice under the national sustainability framework — and audited against it every year, so the accreditation is held rather than claimed.

Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand — accredited Accredited under Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand, and audited against it every year.

In the vineyard

Vineyard practices

We implement sustainable farming techniques, such as integrating tractor operations by performing multiple tasks in a single pass. During winter, sheep are used for mowing, weed management, and reducing the need for chemical inputs, all while their biomass is converted into organic fertiliser. Vineyard prunings are mulched and returned to the soil.

Herbicides and fungicides

Our approach is to minimise the use of chemicals, applying them only when absolutely necessary and with great care to protect beneficial insects. Should insecticides be required, they are applied in targeted sprays with a strong emphasis on resistance management. This cautious use of chemicals aids in promoting vine and soil health while fostering biodiversity in our vineyards.

Water & habitat

Water conservation

We have adopted efficient irrigation systems and practices, such as subsurface irrigation, to reduce water usage and enhance soil moisture retention. By delivering water directly to the roots, we minimise wastage, reduce weed growth, and decrease the need for herbicides.

Wildlife habitat

We actively maintain natural habitats around our vineyards to support local wildlife and promote ecological balance. This includes planting native trees and shrubs throughout our vineyards.

In the winery

Energy efficiency

We use energy-efficient equipment and renewable energy sources to minimise our carbon footprint.

Waste reduction

We implement comprehensive waste reduction practices, including composting grape skins and reusing by-products of the winemaking process, aiming to minimise waste as much as possible.

Water management

Our winery employs state-of-the-art water treatment systems, allowing us to separate solids before returning the water to the system for reuse.

Packaging & sourcing

Minimal packaging

We design packaging to reduce waste and enhance recyclability, ensuring the quality and protection of our wines are not compromised.

Recycling

We are committed to recycling all packaging materials, such as lightweight glass bottles and cartons, to further minimise our environmental impact.

Local sourcing

We prioritise sourcing materials and services locally to minimise transport emissions, and wherever possible we bottle at facilities closest to the market.

Supplier collaboration

We partner with suppliers who share our commitment to sustainability and ethical practices.

The people

Labour, and the neighbours

Our alignment with the RSE (Recognised Seasonal Employer) scheme comes through Hillersden Vineyard Services, part of the group and accredited since 2010 — the same crews returning to the same blocks season after season. We are also proud members of the New Zealand Ethical Employers.

Sustainability here means two commitments, not one: environmental preservation, and support for the community this place is made of. We are a family-owned winery in a small valley — the second is not a policy, it is the neighbours.

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