Case Study: Elgo Wines

Elgo Wines

December 1, 2008

Below is some information that highlights some of the main benefits of generating our own renewable green-power :

Elgo Estate, has created an industry blueprint, being the first winery in Australia (and possibly the world) to generate and be fully self-powered by renewable wind energy. The installation of our 30 metre tall, 150kW wind turbine allows us to save around 400 tonnes of damaging greenhouse gas emissions per year, whilst generating enough electricity to fully power the winery twice over. The excess clean, green energy is fed into the main power grid, enough to power an additional 34 houses. Not to mention our wind turbine also saves a staggering 143,000 litres of water per day that would otherwise be required to generate the same amount of power via coal-fire powered electricity sources.

Elgo Estate has adopted a holistic approach to sustainability over the past 10 years through a raft of significant initiatives including the establishment of a 200 acre wildlife sanctuary, land regeneration and tree plantings, water and waste recycling. Even our sheep have a role to play, eating weeds in the vineyard between harvest and budburst. This significantly reduces the need to use tractors, which in turn reduces our fossil fuel use and the need for herbicides.

Elgo Estate offers two distinct wine portfolios via our Allira and Elgo Estate labels. All of our wines are 100% sustainably estate grown and made from fruit sourced solely from our three vineyards located within the region, with vine plantings dating as far back as the early 1970’s.

Elgo Estate goes well beyond being carbon neutral and we are truly committed to producing high quality wines that don’t cost the earth.

In summary:

• We are able to meet over 200% of our electricity requirements with just one wind turbine
  
• We fed our excess green-power into the main power grid for others to use
  
• We save over 1 tonne of damaging Carbon Dioxide emissions everyday, around 400 tonnes per year.
  
• We save over 146,000 litres of water each day through the generation and use of renewable wind power
  
• We no longer have hefty power bills each month
  
• We have proven that it is possible to successfully operate a carbon-neutral, sustainably focused business

About Elgo Wines

Elgo Estate and Allira Wines Don't Cost The Earth- made using 100% self-generated wind power - sustainably estate grown.

Elgo Estate is committed to crafting wines that reflect and express the climate and characteristics unique to the heart of the Strathbogie Ranges. Elgo Estate comprises of three vineyards at varying altitudes, with some vines planted during the 1970s. Many of the properties in the area, including Elgo Estate, have names of Scottish heritage - as the rugged landscapes of the Strathbogie Ranges reminded early settlers of their Scottish Highland home.

Elgo Estate – The Heart of the Strathbogie Ranges.

Elgo Estate Wines Pty Ltd
Ph. 0419 157 520
Fax. +61 3 5798 5524
www.elgoestate.com.au