Sustainability
At Misty Cove Wines, we are dedicated to producing exceptional wines while upholding our commitment to environmental preservation and community support. As a SWNZ accredited winery, we adhere to best practices under the sustainability framework, undergoing yearly audits to ensure compliance.
Labour
We are aligned with the RSE (Recognised Seasonal Employer) scheme, ensuring ethical employment of seasonal workers. We are also proud members of the New Zealand Ethical Employers.
Vineyard Practices
We implement sustainable farming techniques, such as integrating tractor operations by performing multiple tasks in a single pass. During winter, sheep are utilized for mowing, weed management, and reducing the need for chemical inputs, all while their biomass is converted into organic fertilizer. Vineyard prunings are mulched and returned to the soil.
Herbicides and Fungicides
Our approach is to minimize 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 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 minimize 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.
Winery Practices
Energy Efficiency:
We utilize energy-efficient equipment and renewable energy sources to minimize 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 minimize 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.
Recycling:
We are committed to recycling all packaging materials, such as lightweight glass bottles and cartons, to further minimize our environmental impact.
Packaging and Sourcing
Minimal Packaging:
We design packaging to reduce waste and enhance recyclability, ensuring the quality and protection of our wines are not compromised.
Supplier Collaboration:
We partner with suppliers who share our commitment to sustainability and ethical practices.
Local Sourcing:
We prioritize sourcing materials and services locally to minimize transportation emissions.
Bottling:
Wherever possible, we bottle at facilities closest to the market, significantly reducing our carbon footprint.