Sustainable for the Environment
Everyone seems to be claiming that they are “sustainable” businesses these days, but how many are truly sustainable for the environment? Since its inception, Frey has championed and implemented green practices across the business. What are some of our trade practices that are sustainable for the environment? We’re happy to share!
Frey Vineyards is dedicated to making environmentally friendly packaging choices to promote environmental stewardship and sustainability. Here are just a few of the ways we are continuing to drive eco-friendly choices as leaders in the industry.
First, Frey wines are bottled in Ardagh Evolution glass bottles from TricorBraun which are low-weight 14 oz (just under 400 grams) bottles and comply with the Sustainable Wine Round Table Bottle Weight Accord which asserts a recommendation for retailers to carry only wines that use glass bottles under 420 grams by the end of 2026.
Frey uses Ganau agglomerated molded corks which utilize cork scraps and help maintain zero waste for the cork industry. These corks have consistent performance and allow for high-quality closures that support the delicate nature of our No-Sulfites-Added wines.
Frey uses Envi 100 Wine Labels from Monadnock Paper Mills which are made from 100% post-consumer recycled label stock, certified by the Forest Stewardship Council, processed chlorine-free, and manufactured carbon neutral using 100% renewable electricity.
Frey uses Kraft case boxes and recycled pulp liners in our wine cases. Ton for ton, compared to virgin cardboard, recycled cardboard saves 24 trees, uses 33% less energy, produces 49% less wastewater, and releases 37% fewer greenhouse gases in the process.
BioFiltro Waste Water Treatment at Frey Vineyards new winery site
Another very cool sustainability practice comes into play at our new winery property. Frey installed a BioFiltro wastewater processing system which utilizes layers of wood shavings, river cobble and earthworms. The system processes up to 10,000 gallons of grey water daily, the equivalent of 600 showers. The filtered water exceeds EPA standards and is used on the property as needed throughout the year. We also use the earthworm castings to fertilize our vineyards.
The new winery has also implemented a state-of-the-art solar energy system, and we are generating a large portion of the electricity we use. More details to come as we get further along with the construction of our new winery… We’re well on our way to finishing this impressive rebuild and opening our new tasting room!
Finally, one of our newer projects that we are really excited about involves the use of wine kegs. Free Flow kegs enable us to bring our wines to restaurants for on-tap wine-serving which maintains optimal freshness, excellent taste, and minimal waste. Wine kegs can and are reused over and over again, making them perhaps the most sustainable new addition to our packaging.
Free Flow kegs at Frey Vineyards
When we decided to make Organic wine, there was no Organic certification process. In 1980 we changed that by becoming America’s first Organic winery! Since then, we’ve been doing everything we can to set the standard for a green winery. We are thrilled to bring you affordable organic wines that are made in support of the earth.
Happy Earth Month from us all here at Frey Vineyards!