By Amy Looker, editor National Liquor News
Tahbilk Estate has become certified by carboNZero, the world's first accredited programme under the ISO 14065 standards for greenhouse gas certification.
The winery achieved carbon neutral status in 2012 after fifth generation family member Hayley Purbrick introduced the process in 2008.
In being certified carboNZero the winery has now achieved a net total of zero carbon emissions.
"Whilst attaining additional certification with the carboNZero programme is a significant milestone to addressing the immediate concerns towards rebalancing our greenhouse gas emissions, the process has uncovered a need to develop a longer visioned sustainability strategy to be internally, 'naturally' balanced without the need to purchase carbon offsets,” said Purbrick.
“This is an exciting prospect which will see up to 120 hectares of trees being planted over the coming five years."
To celebrate Tahbilk's carboNZero certification, the winery’s newest releases, including the 2014 Marsanne (pictured), the 2012 Shiraz and the 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon, will feature updated packaging with the carboNZero certification story on the back, along with a reworked, textured and watermarked label.
"We're delighted with the quality of these new vintage wines and think they look smart in their new livery,” said CEO and winemaker, Alister Purbrick.
“The improvements to the front label give a sense of modern tradition and elegance and the inclusion of our carbon story on the back label cements our commitment to leave a sustainable legacy for generations to come.”