Since taking over the vineyard in 2017 we have had a clear ethos. We believe that Astley Vineyard is not just a wine making destination but should be a sanctuary for nature, a catalyst for community development, and a forerunner in environmental stewardship. We are committed to protecting and enhancing our estate and the environment in which it is set. Astley Vineyard is in the River Severn Valley and next to Shrawley Woods; the largest area of small-leafed lime tree woodland in the country with Special Scientific Interest status.
We recognise our environment is increasingly susceptible to damage through growing visitor numbers and climate change and acknowledge our responsibility to maintain and protect these environments, both by carefully considering and mitigating our direct impact, as well as promoting and supporting positive actions on the part of our customers.
Biodiversity & Nature
- We are partnered with The University of Worcester & Royal Agricultural University to deliver world-leading research into wildflower meadows in vineyards. 1/3 of our vineyard will be dedicated to wildflowers going foward.
- We manage the estate organically as far as possible, minimising the use of harmful chemicals and using natural methods to increase soil and plant health.
- Our old vines are managed using Simonit & Sirch's world leading "Gentle Pruning" technique.
- We leave standing deadwood and branch cuttings in wooded areas to provide habitat for insects and ground nesting birds. We have put up bird & owl boxes.
- We maintain our hedgerows to minimise disturbance to nesting birds. We have identified 62 different bird species living and visiting our estate.
- We have renovated a small natural pond which supports a broad range of wildlife
- We have planted trees and bulbs into lawned areas
- We encourage the enjoyment of nature and wildlife by guests visiting Astley Vineyard. There are number of benches discreetly located around our woodland so visitors can listen and observe our wildlife with tree and bird identification sheets at information stations.
- We are Visit The Malverns "Green Mark" Certified.
Recycling & Wines
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- We try to keep refuse to a minimum and recycle whatever is possible including paper, cartons, cardboard, plastic waste and glass bottles. We have a shredding machine that recycles cardboard into wine packaging. We have donated unwanted corks to local schools & nurseries.
- All (remaining) plastic capsules will be removed from wine bottles in 2024.
- Delivery pallets and old vineyard posts are reused in a variety of projects such estate landscaping and garden furniture.
- Used grape skins are either mulched into the vineyard, or used to make our Piquette; Saint Vincent.
- Used wine lees have been sent to local restaurants to use; eg Grace & Savour.
- We aspire to reduce the paper and cardboard consumed in running the business and most administrative work and communication with guests is digital, to save paper.
Energy
- In 2023 we installed solar PV systems on to the roofs of our winery and warehouse and generate electricity for export back to the Grid. We also installed a battery to store generated electricity for use at night. This has reduced our energy costs by 66%.
- In 2022 we have replaced the air-conditioning unit in our wine warehouse with a more efficient modern model.
- All our electrical equipment and machinery are “A” or “B” rated for energy efficiency.
- We have installed motion sensitive outdoor lights around our car park and in our visitor bathrooms.
- We have added insulation to the roof of the winery to better manage temperature changes without using mechanical alternatives.
- The visitor benches in our Wine Garden are supplied by Worcestershire based Wyre Community Land Trust, with wood from sustainably managed forests and certified by the Forest Stewardship Council standards.
- Cheese on our Tasting tours is sourced from a Worcestershire producer, Croome Cuisine
- In our vineyard shop, we retail products from local small businesses such as beer from Nothing Bound, gin by Piston Distillery and cider from Little Pomona.
- Our wine labels and website are designed by Worcester based business, We Are Beard
- Our business insurers are Sentio, also Worcester based.