Sue and Sean Delaney of Sinclair’s Gully Wines at Norton Summit, are thrilled to have been placed second at the Qantas Australian Tourism Awards Presentation and Gala Dinner held in Cairns on Friday 2 March 2011.
This silver medal at the National Tourism Awards top off an amazing year for Sinclair’s Gully with such achievements as including winning the prestigious South Australian Qantas Award for Excellence in Sustainable Tourism, being inducted into the Hall of Fame at the AdvantageSA Regional Awards and a 94 point Halliday rating for their methode traditionale sparkling wine, making James Halliday’s Best Sparkling Wines for 2012.
Four years ago Sinclair's Gully recognised challenging times ahead for small tourism businesses and developed a number of unique, sustainable wine and ecotourism experiences based around their conservation and sustainability message. These innovative products have been met with wide customer approval and strong ongoing support which has secured our business viability. Working under their "Conservation in a Glass" theme Sinclair's Gully exemplifies an enlightened approach to viticulture whereby the focus is on soil health and working with nature rather than against it. Certainly the resulting handcrafted artisanal wines are establishing a reputation for excellence in their own right. The discerning wine consumer can now exercise their environmental conscience while enjoying some of the finest cool climate wines available.
As the hills only climate action innovator and advanced ecocertified cellar door, one of only two cellar doors in Australia to carry ecocertified accreditation, the business employs a triple bottom line approach across all aspects of its operations. Environmental practices focus on conservation of the endangered candlebark ecosystem and the use of biodynamic vineyard practices to ensure sustainable outcomes. Other sustainable initiatives include zero waste 100% recycling program, the onsite collection of all water and reuse of grey water on the surrounding garden, its energy efficiency program and solar power project, through to measuring and implementing strategies to reduce its carbon and ecological footprint.
The results of Sinclair’s Gully’s sustainability initiatives include;
Returning over 80% of their property to a sanctuary to ensure the ongoing protection and conservation of the endangered candlebark ecosystem,
55% of business electricity is generated on site from the solar power initiative,
and a 43% reduction in power usage over last 3 years,
Sue said “Our sustainability initiatives have resulted in a 51% reduction in our carbon footprint over 3 years. These initiatives have not only reduced our environmental footprint, but resulted in significant cost savings, improving the business’s net profitability.”
"Sinclair’s Gully has many facets, with wildflower walks in spring, watching the black cockatoos fly through the candlebark forest at dusk at a summer twilight tasting, or just sitting back on the deck with a glass of wine and a platter provides a very personal and unique Australian wine and ecotourism experience, allowing visitors to connect with their natural heritage” said Sean.
“It is such a great honour to be recognised for our sustainable tourism initiatives and commitment to reducing our carbon footprint. As far as being acknowledged by our peers and the national tourism industry, it really doesn’t get any better than this!” said Sue.
For more information head to the link below.
More News
