â—† WINE PRACTICES WE STAND BEHIND
Sustainability
Exceptional wine and a lighter footprint are not opposites. This is how we choose, and what we stand for.Â
Sustainability is not a badge added at the end. It shapes which producers we work with, how the wines reach your tasting, and what we leave behind — in the glass and beyond it.
01 / OUR PRINCIPLES
Five principles, applied to our process
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Producers who farm with care
We work preferably with estates that farm organically, are in conversion, or hold recognised environmental certifications such as the EU Organic Green Leaf, Haute Valeur Environnementale (HVE), Terra Vitis, Sustainable Winegrowing Australia, Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand, and Napa Green. In addition, we are also increasing our portfolio of producers that practice biodynamic and regenerative viticulture as this improves biodiversity and soil health. We actively reject wineries who work with glyphosate in their vineyards. Where producers apply circular practices, we make that part of the story.
2
Importers who choose with care
We look beyond the wines themselves when choosing new importers to work with. We value partners who are transparent about where their wines come from, how they select producers, and the relationships they build across the supply chain. Their approach to transport, packaging and reducing unnecessary waste matters too. Where information is available, we also consider the producers’ farming practices, such as organic farming or conversion to organic methods, and relevant certifications. This helps us make more informed choices and share the story behind each wine with our guests.
3
Reduce, reuse, return
For each tasting we plan the amount of bottles needed carefully to avoid unnecessary surplus. Wine glasses are reused for many years. Packaging is another important consideration: glass bottles can make a significant contribution to a wine’s carbon footprint, particularly when they are heavy. We therefore give preference to wines in lighter-weight bottles and value producers and suppliers who are working towards the Bottle Weight Accord’s goal of reducing the average weight of 750ml still wine bottles to below 420g. We see this as one practical step towards more considered wine experiences, and continue to review the choices we can make. All glass bottles are recycled (or upcycled when they are too fabulous to part with and earn a second life as décor.)
4
Make it easy to opt out
A great wine experience should feel welcoming to everyone. Upon request, we include carefully selected non-alcoholic pairings alongside the wines, chosen to complement the tasting and give non-drinking guests something thoughtful to enjoy. We plan quantities with care, so guests can take part on their own terms and nothing is poured simply for appearance. We also provide spittoons at every tasting, so guests can taste at their own pace and dispose of wine responsibly.
5
Positive, conscious choices
We believe sustainability starts with honest, thoughtful choices. Like every event, a wine tasting has an environmental footprint – from producing and transporting the wines to the materials used on the day. We focus on the choices we can make, using the EU Voluntary Sustainability Reporting Standard and best practices in the wine industry as our inspiration. We keep reviewing how we work and are willing to share what we know about our choices and their impact. Hereby we strive to inspire other companies to do the same.
02 / HOW WE WORK ON THE DAY
A lighter event, by design
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Using spittoons is chique
We provide sufficient and thoughtfully placed spittoons as a discreet, practical part of the tasting setup, so everyone can take part in the way that feels right for them. We encourage guests to use them and taste mindfully, reflecting a responsible business culture that makes room for wellbeing and personal choice. Contrary to popular belief, a wine tasting can still be fully enjoyed this way, with the focus on exploring each wine’s aromas, flavours and character.
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Lightweight tasting glasses
We use lightweight tasting glasses from Lehmann’s collection, made from lead-free crystalline and produced in the European Union. Their fine, light design and clarity bring an elegant feel to the tasting and help guests appreciate each wine’s colour and aromas. We reuse the glasses across events and take care to handle, transport and wash them so they remain in use for as long as possible.
3
Measured pours, less waste
We plan the number of bottles and the size of each tasting pour around the group and the wines being served. This helps ensure that every guest has enough to explore each wine, while avoiding opening more bottles than the tasting requires. Any unopened bottles can be kept for a future occasion. It’s a considered way to keep the focus on discovering the wines while reducing unnecessary surplus.
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Sharing the journey
We favour venues that are easy to reach by public transport and encourage guests to carpool where practical. We can help coordinate shared rides, and, where needed, enquire about arranging a BOB service with a professional driver. These options make it easier for guests to plan their journey home responsibly and comfortably.
LET'S MAKE IT HAPPEN
Want sustainability built into your tasting?
Tell us about your goals and your reporting needs. We will propose producers and a format that fits both.
03 / BEYOND THE BOTTLE
Supporting your ESG reporting
Several of the producers we work with hold the B Corp certification and apply circular practices in production, like upcycling grape pomace and reducing water use. We strive to track these standards as much as possible so that, for companies with supply-chain sustainability criteria or ESG reporting requirements, our producer list can support that conversation with specifics. If your organisation reports on scope-three sourcing, supplier conduct or event sustainability, we can share producer-level detail such as certifications, farming method and transport, to fit your framework. Ask us when you enquire.