Page 68 - Grapevine July-Aug 2020

International News

mammals, such as bats, to take up residence and as individuals, consumers and business owners
naturally control pest problems in the vineyards. when we make decisions, and we should choose
companies and products that align with our over-
It doesn’t stop there. Southbrook applies the same all values. When we support these businesses, we
principles to their production line, utilizing light- make a statement and set an example for others.
weight bottles made in Ontario from 85% recycled It is our responsibility to choose companies that
materials. The process costs a premium compared have ethical values in order to help our envi-
to going with a large scale international supplier. ronment and preserve it for future generations.
Still, Redelmeier believes, in order to live his sus- Redelmeier has gone to every extent to keep this in
tainability mantra, he has to put his money where mind and make impactful decisions while building
his mouth is and make decisions for the better of Southbrook Vineyards. The result has been positive.
the planet and not his pocketbook. Southbrook won the InterVin International Wine
Awards “Winery of the Year” in 2012, and since
Even after becoming certified sustainable, achiev- then has continued to wow crowds with everything
ing LEED Gold status and gaining an international from their Bourdeaux-style blends to their wild fer-
reputation for its biodynamic practices, Redelmeier mented ciders and Chardonnays. The company con-
continues his mission to improve his winery’s tinues to expand its portfolio, winning more awards
impact on its surroundings. In 2017, Redelmeier and accolades each year for creating an outstand-
teamed with an Ontario-based engineering firm ing product.
and Niagara-on-the-Lake Hydro to figure out how
to further drive down Southbrook’s overall energy Southbrook is an incredible example of what is
consumption. He decided to install 432 solar pan- possible in sustainability within the wine indus-
els on the winery property, and, as a result of this try. They have taken no shortcut along the way to
effort, has cut down the winery’s electrical use by creating an entirely low-impact business model
80% since opening. The winery uses the energy it and have stood by their sustainable mantra from
needs from these solar panels and redistributes vineyard to barrel to bottle. By partnering with
what it doesn’t use back into the grid in exchange like-minded local businesses, they support, ben-
for a credit that it can redeem in the colder winter efit and encourage positive growth within their
months. It is Ontario’s first winery net metering community. They even encourage local wildlife to
project, and Redelmeier predicts the project will flourish within their property. Redelmeier contin-
pay for itself by 2024, further proving what is possi- ues to search for new, innovative ways to reduce
ble for businesses in Ontario. his impact on the environment and lead the way in
the world of sustainable business models. That is
Taking this notion one step further, Redelmeier why Southbrook really is Canada’s most thoughtful
has created his own registered Natural Health winery.
Product using the leftover organic red grape skins
the winery would otherwise discard. The product,
called Bioflavia because it is rich in bioflavonoids, is
high in antioxidants and can be added to smooth-
ies, yogurts and cereals. It is available for sale on
the winery’s website along with their line of mus-
tards, jellies and sparkling apple juice. The winery
also partners with local Linc Farm to offer grass-fed
lamb and beef, forest raised pork and free-range
eggs to the public. They continue to form partner-
ships with like-minded local businesses, encourag-
ing their community to grow in the right direction.

Redelmeier believes we all have a responsibility

Page 66 The Grapevine • July - August 2020 877-892-5332

Grapevine Main Pages GV070820_Layout 1-1 .indd 66 6/18/20 4:48 PM