Family winery Taylors has been recognised as one of the winners at this year’s prestigious South Australian Wine Industry Association (SAWIA) Environmental Excellence Awards, winning the Large Winery category amongst other finalists, including Pernod Ricard, Treasury Wine Estates and Accolade Wines.
The awards recognise and celebrate the achievements and innovations in sustainability from members of the wine industry. Presented at the organisation’s annual luncheon at the Australian Wine Centre, Taylors joined other winners; Henschke (Small-Medium Category), Treasury Wine Estates and Hayes Family Wines (joint Viticulture Category), to celebrate the industry’s achievements.
Taylors recent environmental efforts have seen the Clare Valley-based winery tackle sustainability initiatives across its entire business - from viticulture to packaging. The award recognised Taylors for its ambitious emissions reduction target and results; commitment to its environmental management systems implementation; pioneering use of low-carbon, flat EcoBottles; and active involvement in biodiversity conservation and preservation of the endangered White’s seahorse found in Sydney Harbour.
“The passion for leaving our land and the planet in a better place than before is a passion that runs throughout our entire business. As a family business, the choices we make today leave an impact for generations to come. I’m incredibly proud that our entire team stands behind this mission” third-generation Winemaker and Managing Director Mitchell Taylor said.
“We also commend all the other finalists and winners at this year’s awards. It’s a testament to our industry leaders who recognise this issue's importance and the scale of work that needs to take place to create change.”
In a release announcing the winners, SAWIA Chief Executive Brian Smedley said: “These initiatives are examples of the wine industry’s excellent record in environmental stewardship that contributes towards South Australia’s clean and green reputation. It is especially positive to recognise sustainability initiatives that progressed in spite of tough operating conditions brought on by COVID-19 and other externalities.”
The Small-Medium Winery category, sponsored by Green Industries SA, was won by Henschke for their future-proofing projects including investing in renewable power generation and battery storage, coupled with real-time energy monitoring to move the business towards grid independence as part of its 100 per cent renewable energy supply goal.
The Viticulture category, sponsored by Endeavour Group, saw the panel award two winners: Treasury Wine Estates and Hayes Family Wines, both recongised for making significant improvements relative to their scale of operation in a range of areas from regenerative farming, biodiversity conservation, water-use efficiency and integrated pest management.