Elgo Estate

With so much talk these days of sustainability, organic produce and other ecologically friendly practices, it really comes as no surprise to see wine producers taking a greener approach. In fact, as the health of the environment has a clear effect on wine quality, many producers have for some time been making changes in their day-to-day running of vineyards and wineries. The best news for us is that the result is often better wines…Elgo Estate, in Victoria's Strathbogie ranges, have a variety of measures to make their winery more sustainable including a wind turbine, generating renewable clean energy, significant water recycling, as well as large-scale tree-planting on the property...Bravo...and may the greening of our vineyards continue. Here's a range (of wines) from producers at the forefront of a greener wine industry. Allira Shiraz 2006 $12. From the emerging Strathbogie region of Victoria this wine is a smart example of cool climate shiraz. With dark fruits and a spicy, meaty edge, it is made for a well-cooked steak.

REGIONAL POWER STATIONS FIRST TO RECEIVE VRET ACCREDITATION

Two small power generation stations in northern Victoria have become the first power stations in the State to be accredited under the Victorian Renewable Energy Target (VRET) scheme.

The Essential Services Commission, which administers the VRET scheme, has approved the two stations, at Longwood and Tatura, to create Victorian renewable energy certificates. The Commission has approved the accreditation of the Elgo – Longwood Wind Power Station and the Tatura Sewage Gas Power Station under the VRET scheme. Elgo – Longwood Wind Power Station has a total generation capacity of 150 kilowatts and the Tatura Sewage Gas Power Station a total generation capacity of 1.1 megawatts.

Under the Victorian Renewable Energy Act 2006, all electricity retailers and wholesale purchasers of electricity are required to contribute toward the generation of additional renewable energy by acquiring renewable energy certificates.

The VRET scheme mandates Victoria’s consumption of electricity generated from renewable sources to be increased to 10 per cent by 2016. ESC Chairperson Greg Wilson said the accreditation of the two power stations represented a significant milestone for the VRET scheme. “Renewable energy is rapidly capturing the interest of the commercial energy sector and the VRET scheme will play a major role in harnessing new energy sources,” he said.

The Commission assumed responsibility for the VRET scheme on 1 January 2007. It is presently registering VRET participants and is in the process of assessing further applicants for accreditation. The VRET scheme operates in parallel with the Federal Government’s Mandatory Renewable Energy Target (MRET) scheme.

For further information contact: Greg Wilson Chairperson (03) 9651 0201 Gavin Clancy Communications Manager (03) 9651 0282 or 0414 653 927

The Essential Services Commission is responsible for the economic regulation of Victoria’s energy and water essential services. It aims to protect the community’s interests in relation to cost, reliability and quality of supply, while ensuring a sustainable and competitive utility sector into the future.

When it comes to wine, green is the new red. It’s also the new riesling, sauvignon blanc and chardonnay thanks to Elgo Estate winery. The family-owned and operated business, set amid the rolling valleys and natural bushland of the Strathbogie Ranges in central Victoria, is now powered by a 150kW wind turbine, making it Australia’s first carbon-negative winery. “We are the only winery in Australia, possibly the world, generating and operating on renewable wind energy,” says Elgo Estate’s general manager and co-owner Grant Taresch. Since purchasing the property 10 years ago, the Taresch family has been committed to producing great wines and protecting the environment. The wind turbine also generates enough renewable green energy to power an additional 34 households each year, saving more than 400 tonnes of greenhouse gas each year. It’s the equivalent of taking 80 cars off the road. “I think we prove that any size business can implement meaningful initiatives if you really want to make a positive impact,” says Taresch. We’ll drink to that. For more information and your nearest stockist, visit www.elgoestate.com.au. You can also purchase Elgo Estate wines directly from the winery.