Sustainability at Villa Maria
Sustainability and Villa Maria
Villa Maria has a long held objective to be environmentally responsible and to operate using sustainable practices. These values are inherent in the long term view that we take of the wine business. As a family owned New Zealand business, we believe we have a responsibility to ensure that resources are protected for the next generation.
Villa Maria believes that sustainability is not an end point but a journey and therefore we are always finding ways to embed sustainable principles into the culture of the organisation.
Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand (SWNZ)
Villa Maria has been a member of Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand (SWNZ) since its inception in 1995. SWNZ, an initiative of New Zealand Winegrowers, provides a best practice model for vineyards and wineries involving the sustainable management of land and resources to meet the needs of today without adversely impacting the needs of tomorrow.
Each year, Villa Maria is audited by SWNZ to provide a key platform for continual improvement.
All Villa Maria company vineyards and winery sites are either accredited by SWNZ or in the case of new sites, in the process of gaining accreditation.
In addition to SWNZ, all Villa Maria's wineries are compliant with the environmental management system - ISO14001. The overall idea of this ISO accredtation is to establish an organised approach to systematically reduce the environmental impact of Villa Maria's wine production.
Villa Maria is committed to continuing along the path of sustainability.
RECENT RECOGNITION
Supreme Winner, Sustainable Business Network Awards 2012
Villa Maria Estate took out the Supreme Winner trophy at this event, being named overall champion. This nationwide accolade came after being named the Northern Sustainable Business of the Year. The Supreme Winner trophy recognised Villa Maria’s long-standing commitment to sustainable practices and environmental responsibility.
Supreme Green Ribbon Award Winner 2012
Villa Maria Estate won the Supreme Green Ribbon Award at a ceremony at Parliament, recognising the company’s outstanding and on-going contributions to protecting New Zealand's environment. The family owned and operated company also secured the Large Business Leadership category, which recognises large organisations who demonstrate an on-going commitment to environmental best practices.
Sustainability Champion, Sustainable Business Network Awards 2010
Villa Maria’s Executive Director Fabian Yukich won the Sustainability Champion Award at the 2010 NZ Sustainable Business Network Awards recognising his efforts in embedding sustainable business principles at Villa Maria Estate over many years.
Villa Maria's Sustainable Practices
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