Sustainability
At Balgownie
Balgownie’s commitment to environment and sustainability
Balgownie has many initiatives in place to ensure we are doing our bit for the environment and reducing our carbon footprint. A healthy environment will enable us to grow the best fruit and make the best wine possible. An Environmental Sustainability committee meets bi-monthly to continuously improve our initiatives and daily practices in both vineyard & winery practices and the hospitality operations.
Water Initiatives
Yarra Valley
Balgownie Yarra Valley vineyards are also dependent upon rainwater collected in two dams for irrigation and to maintain the extensive gardens. Rainwater tanks installed across the resort collect rainwater runoff, while AAA rated toilet suites, tap ware and low flow water devices have helped the resort dramatically reduce water usage. With these initiatives in place, our reliance on external water supply is extremely low.
Power
Yarra Valley has solar power contributing to energy usage. With over 200kw of solar power (the largest solar system of any property in the Yarra Valley). Installation of power saving devices to all rooms which automatically deactivate all air-conditioning and lighting when the room is unattended also saves considerable power.
With these initiatives in place, our goal is to be as self-sufficient for power as possible.
Effluent treatment systems Balgownie save over 7 million litres of water per year capturing and treating wastewater onsite and repurposing this water to irrigate vines and gardens.
Winery and Vineyard Initiatives
Cooling tanks of wine during the fermentation process is an integral part of making wine. Maintaining a cool temperature during a white wine fermentation allows the fresh fruit flavours to develop in the finished wine. In red wine a cooler temperature reduces the rate of fermentation while aiding the extract of phenolic compounds from the grapes.
We use the marc (dry grape skins, seeds and stalks left over after the grapes are pressed) to make our own compost, which is spread under the vines where it acts like a protective mulch that reduces water usage in the vineyard by up to 30%. The marc also provides valuable nutrients to the soil as it biodegrades. Over a four year cycle the entire vineyard receives a boost from repurposing this material, which would otherwise be discarded.
Cover crops are sown between the vine rows over the winter season when the vines are dormant. Crops such as peas and beans return nutrients to the soil and reduce the need for fertilizer throughout the vine growing season. The cover crops also help to improve the soil structure and help prevent weeds from emerging.
Recycling
Each Balgownie property is committed to recycling, disposing thoughtfully of materials such as paper and cardboard, plastics, aluminium, glass, green waste, and cooking oil. We have recently partnered with Bottle Cycler to crush and recycle all glass, Nespresso take away all coffee pods and our takeaway containers and coffee cups are all sustainable.
Coffee Cups
As part of our sustainability mission we have partnered with Nespresso to provide a coffee cup made better for the environment.Crafted from up to  30% of coffee bean husks, the Nespresso coffee cup is a reminder that every part of nature is precious.
Guest Towels
To support our sustainability efforts, we replace guest towels only upon request. Please hang up your used towels if you do not want them replaced. Thank you for helping us conserve resources.
