Zilzie Wines Carbon Neutral Bulloak Range

Zilzie released Australia's first 100% carbon-neutral range of wines in October 2008.

The Zilzie Wines 2008 Bulloak Range has been certified a carbon neutral product by CRI after an extensive audit and certification process.

Zilzie's managing director Andrew Forbes said the process concentrated on the entire lifecycle of the wine. 'It's from the grape to the grave - vineyard through to recycling,' Forbes said. 'It's inclusive, but not limited to, freight, packaging, assets, travel, electricity, fuel usage, general expenses and waste and wastewater. We've pursued all possible efficiencies that will reduce our energy consumption but no matter how efficient we are, some greenhouse gas emissions are unavoidable,' he said.

Zilzie has developed an all-encompassing Environmental Management Strategy, focused on minimizing Zilzie’s impact on the environment through reducing water consumption, waste management, packaging reduction and re-vegetation of the Bulloak reserve.

The Bulloak range was named after the northern most stand of threatened Bulloak (also known as Buloke) trees which is situated on the Forbes property overlooking the vineyard and winery. Stands are endangered by farming practices in the Wimmera region of western Victoria, where it is integral to the survival of the endangered southeastern subspecies of the Red-tailed Black Cockatoo for feeding and nesting.

The Forbes family donated this section of land back to the Department of Sustainability and Environment to protect the Bulloak trees, and the natural biodiversity of the region, for future generations.

The Bulloak range is available in Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Cabernet Merlot, Shiraz, and from this year, Moscato, Rosé and Pinot Grigio. Bulloak's 2008 Chardonnay has earned four trophies and two gold medals and the 2007 Bulloak Shiraz is also a gold medal winner. Zilzie Bulloak range is available in Liquorland stores across Australia.

For more information visit http://www.zilziewines.com.au