ISO14001

In February 1998, Martinborough Vineyard along with three other New Zealand wineries, achieved ISO 14001 certification. This recognises the environmental awareness and operating systems that Martinborough Vineyard has put in place.

As part of being ISO 14001 certification, we are committed to identifying and minimizing the impact our operations have on our vineyards and on the environment. Since 1998 we have been monitoring and recording our waste water volumes, water, power and fuel use. With this information we challenge ourselves to find new and innovative ways to reduce this either in total volume or as a percentage of the total wine we make.

In recent years our vineyards have begun a conversion to biological management that is aimed at increasing soil health. Already we are seeing less fungicide and herbicide use as well as healthier vines that are more resistant to disease and pests. Sheep now roam our vineyards helping reduce mowing and herbicide use as well as cutting our fuel consumption.

These steps are a small part of the overall philosophy of Martinborough Vineyard - to produce the best "New World" wine with a commitment to sustainable viticulture. Directors and staff have undertaken to manage this deed with the introduction and operation of our ISO 14001 environmental management system.

We recognize that the relationship between soil, vine and wine is intrinsically linked. We need healthy soils to grow healthy vines from which to make great wine. It is this founding principle that guides us in our pursuit of excellence and helps us grow better wine. 

We are also a founding member of the Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand (SWNZ) program with all our vineyards and winery being accredited.