With our Brancott wines being a product created largely by nature, it stands to reason that we've valued our relationship with the environment from the start.

The company was a founder member of New Zealand’s original sustainable winegrowing initiative in 1995. This programme has since transformed into Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand (SWNZ).

All our vineyards and wineries are accredited under the scheme.

A significant reduction of chemical spraying in our vineyards has already been achieved. This includes the complete elimination of some chemicals and a greater use of biological deterrents to pests and diseases as well as improved soil structure, more efficient water use and targeted fertilizer applications.

Among the more recent initiatives at Montana’s vineyards is to use natural fertiliser where possible, mainly by spreading composted grape marc (pressed skins, pips and stems) and prunings back into the vineyards on a wider scale.

Where grapes are sourced from independent growers, we are working with them to help them achieve accreditation. The aim is to get all growers on board by vintage 2012.

Accreditation is not the ultimate goal, however. We want to reduce our reliance on non-organic management. Pilot programmes are run in our vineyards to see how close we can get to 100% organic management.