News

Hambledon Vineyard works to reduce carbon footprint

10 March 2021 By Phoebe French

England’s oldest commercial vineyard, Hambledon, has installed a biomass heating system at its winery which it says “will contribute immensely” to reducing its carbon footprint.

Planted in 1952 in the Hampshire village of Hambledon, also known as the ‘cradle of cricket’, Hambledon Vineyard is looking to the future.

The producer said sustainability, which it defines as ensuring the balance and longevity of the ecosystem, is “at the heart of everything” it does in both the vineyard and winery.

Yesterday (9 March) the vineyard installed a new biomass heating system which will convert its vine prunings into fuel for heating its winery, offices, visitor centre, wine tourism facilities and other outbuildings.

It follows news that the UK government has launched a new £4 million investment programme with the goal of increasing production of sustainably-sourced biomass in the UK.

The independent Climate Change Committee believes that such green fuel can play a “significant role” in meeting long-term climate targets. The UK is currently aiming to reduce its emissions by at least 68% by 2030, compared to levels in 1990. It intends to have net zero emissions by 2050.

Industry body WineGB’s Sustainable Wines of Great Britain (SWGB) certification scheme was unveiled last year and welcomed its first 12 certified producers in August.

Based on a set of guidelines determined by SWGB, the scheme details best practices, sets minimum standards and lists prohibited practices. SWGB has a total of 30 founding members which together account for around 40% of total hectarage in the UK and produce around 6.8 million bottles per year.