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.
