Pioneering spirit

New Zealanders have long had a reputation for their "number eight wire" innovations, so it's probably not surprising that this can-do spirit is now being applied to environmental sustainability.

The newly launched Yealands Estate winery is testament to the creative thinking and entrepreneurial philosophy of founder and principal Peter Yealands. The $45m winery, in the rolling foothills of the Awatere Valley in Marlborough, is the first winery in New Zealand to measure and offset all its greenhouse gas emissions from initial design through to completion. Yealands Estate is also the largest winery in New Zealand to have been issued carboNZero status.

Construction of the first two wind turbines has already been completed, and there is planning under way for additional, larger units.

"That's just a taste of what's to come," says Yealands. "There is every possibility we'll be selling power to the national grid when the wind turbines are all up and running."

The extensive sustainable design initiatives, which also include solar heating, energy-efficient building systems and rainwater harvesting, have not compromised the winery production. The winery is on track with its large-scale premium wine production it sold or allocated all cases from its 2008 vintage in just six months.

For more details, contact Yealands Estate, PO Box 545, Blenheim 7240, phone (03) 575 7618, fax (03) 575 7603. Website: www.yealands.co.nz.

Story by: Trendsideas