Sustainable & Ethical Practices

Ridgeview Wine Estate Chardonnay Vineyard

SUSTAINABLE WINE PRODUCTION PRACTICES AT RIDGEVIEW

We are committed to sustainable winemaking practices, from vineyard to winery and from grape to glass. As founder members of Sustainable Wines of Great Britain (SWGB), we seek to set new standards for sustainable wine production. Both our vineyard and winery are accredited under the SWGB scheme, with our vineyard achieving gold in our recertification audit.

Our approach to sustainable winemaking uses practices to improve soil health and reduce the use of synthetic chemicals and herbicides. We’re committed to water and energy conservation to reduce our industry’s carbon footprint.

Initiatives in the vines include cover crop bio-diversity, improving soil structure and encouraging natural grape pests. In the winery, our underground cellars require no energy supply, relying on natural, ambient temperature control alone.

8 team members standing with rakes and a wheel barrow, volunteer gardening at Chessnut Tree House Children's Hospice
2 women weeding

COMMITTED TO OUR COMMUNITY AND SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

At Ridgeview, our commitment goes beyond business, this is our home. We know that thriving isn’t just about success in the market; it comes from genuinely supporting and uplifting our local community. Our team embraces a culture where even small contributions, from volunteer efforts to environmental initiatives, are valued and celebrated, knowing they can create meaningful impact for both our neighbours and our employees. By fostering an environment that encourages giving back, we aim to make a lasting, positive difference while enriching the spirit and connection of everyone involved.

 

Ridgeview Wine Estate Tour and Tasting English Sparkling Wine

Responsible and Sustainable Business Practices

We apply conscious energy and waste practices across our operations. From solar energy and sensor-activated lighting systems to sustainable packaging, we continually strive to reduce our environmental
impact.

Our Bio-Bubble system naturally treats all waste water across the estate and, as of 2023, has cleaned 22 million litres of waste water (equivalent to 9 Olympic swimming pools).

We are making great strides in rainwater harvesting for grey water, a simple but fundamental change enabling more sustainable management of onsite bathrooms, vineyard spraying and washing of our machinery, as well as watering the diverse plant-life across the estate.

Ridgeview Wine Estate England The Rows & Vine

Progressive Employers: Sustainable Employment Practices

With family at the heart of our business, we are dedicated to fair, respectful, and equal treatment for all employees. Proud supporters of the Real Living Wage campaign, we ensure our pay structure recognises each employee’s ability, experience, and commitment.

We actively promote diversity and equality within our workforce and have implemented gender pay analysis and inclusive employment practices. As members of Disability Confident, we support workplace equality and provide annual health and well-being check-ups, adhering to MSDC guidelines, alongside a positive mental health programme.

Our commitment to sustainable employment aligns with our social and environmental goals, reflecting our dedication to the well-being of our team and the industry’s broader sustainability challenges.

We have implemented a gender pay analysis, support equality and diversity employment practices and are members of Disability Confident. We hold annual staff health and well-being check-ups in line with MSDC guidelines and follow a positive mental health programme.

We champion sustainable employment practices, ensuring our social responsibility aligns with our environmental goals. Our gender pay analysis and mental health programmes reflect our dedication to the well-being of our team, while also addressing broader sustainability issues within the industry.

Sustainable Winemaking Explained

Sustainable winemaking is an a approach to wine production that balances environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and economic viability. Rooted in the United Nations’ definition of sustainability – “meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs” – sustainable winemaking involves practices that prioritise ecological health, support communities and ensure the wine industry’s long-term resilience.

What is Sustainable Winemaking?

Sustainable winemaking includes a range of practices designed to reduce the wine industry’s carbon footprint, preserving natural resources and supporting communities to thrive.

Why Sustainable Wines Matter

Sustainable wines are important because they represent a commitment to preserving the environment, supporting communities, and ensuring a thriving future for the wine industry. Choosing sustainable wine helps reduce the wine industry’s carbon footprint, conserve resources, and protect soil health and biodiversity. Sustainable winemaking also plays a crucial role in social responsibility by prioritising fair labour practices, safe working conditions, and community engagement.

Economically, sustainability helps create resilient businesses capable of thriving in the long term, allowing high-quality wine production to continue while promoting responsible consumption. For consumers, sustainable wines offer a meaningful choice, allowing them to support environmentally responsible practices and a balanced approach to winemaking that benefits the planet, the people, and the wine industry for generations to come.

Beyond the Bottle

Delve deeper into English sparkling wine with the latest news, stories and insights from Ridgeview. From sustainable winemaking to secrets from the cellar, journey into a fascinating world that goes far beyond the bottle…

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