Australian carbon neutral wine the toast of Copenhagen

The world’s first 100% carbon neutral range of wines based on the international standard for Life Cycle Assessment is the wine of choice, naturally, for dignitaries and consumers in Copenhagen as the world’s most important environmental forum continues this week.

Taylors Eighty Acres wines from the Clare Valley, South Australia, have been specially requested for an official function in Copenhagen today, Thursday 10 December, to be hosted by Louise Hand, Australia’s Ambassador for Climate Change.

The Ambassador for Climate Change is the lead Australian negotiator within the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the head of the International Division of the Department of Climate Change.

Mitchell Taylor, third generation CEO of Taylors Wines, is delighted to provide his wines to the function.

“We’re thrilled to supply our wines to such an important group of environmental leaders during the biggest environmental conference the world has ever seen.

“We hope our contribution is just one of many for the sustainability of our environment. Climate change will affect the global wine industry greatly and our family business treats this issue very seriously,” said Taylor.

Last week, Taylors signed a deal to distribute the Eighty Acres range in Denmark. Consumers will have access to the wines through Crown Plaza Copenhagen, the world’s first low energy and carbon neutral hotel, Copenhagen airport and various embassies through Peter Justesen.

The Eighty Acres range of Taylors Wines was made 100% carbon neutral this year and released to the Australian market in September 2009. The total carbon footprint is based on a full life cycle assessment (LCA) model compliant to ISO14044. This means that Taylors has offset all emissions associated with the Eighty Acres range of wines from bud-burst in the vineyard to the disposal of the empty bottle - a huge feat for this 40-year-old family business.

To assist with the reduction of emissions, Taylors has moved the Eighty Acres range into O-I’s new Lean + Green lightweight bottles. This new glass bottle is almost 40% lighter than the original glass used and delivers a reduction in CO₂e per bottle of more than 15%.