Regenerating Nature
2022 AWARD FINALIST
Sponsored by Department of Conservation
Yealands Wine Group launched in 2008 with a vision to lead the world in sustainable wine production. Located some distance from export markets and relying on the environment to produce unique wines, the company recognised the need for climate action.
Yealands became Toitū Carbon Zero certified from inception. In 2019, the company became a founding member of the International Wineries for Climate Action and became accredited under the UN’s Race To Zero programme. This committed Yealands to becoming carbon positive by 2050. Yealands has established an intergenerational Biodiversity Plan, creating a healthier and more robust environment for the vines and community to thrive.
This plan incorporates over 270 hectares of land and includes sensitive natural areas, erosion-prone coastal and hillside land, waterways and wetlands. The establishment of the plan commits Yealands to invest over $4 million, to plant over one million native trees and to become an eco-sourcing hub for the Grasmere Ecological District.
Ensuring the benefits of the Biodiversity Plan extend well beyond the Yealands vineyard boundary, funding has been established for not-for-profits and community schemes, industry advocacy and consumer engagement programmes.