By Lucy Waldron
Sustainability is at the forefront of Balancing Heart Vineyard as they launch their new project, Wine in a Can which is poised to revolutionise the Granite Belt wine industry.
The decision to embark on this eco-friendly venture was driven by the desire to reduce their environmental footprint and reflect what is being done overseas.
Balancing Heart Winemaker, Mike Hayes said that a trip to Japan proved instrumental in shaping their vision for the future.
“Seeing aisles of wines packaged in cans in Japan made us realise that this is the direction we need to take. With our sustainable approach, it fits in nicely,“ Mike said.
The vineyard has been actively incorporating sustainable practices, including vegan winemaking for over two decades, eschewing insecticides and chemical fertilisers, and adopting natural winemaking techniques.
Econation, an environmental organisation, asserts that aluminium cans offer a more eco-friendly alternative to glass or plastic bottles. Their production is less energy-intensive, lightweight, not derived from fossil fuels, and contributes less to issues like acid rain and ocean oxygen depletion.
The cans, each containing 250 millilitres of wine and two standard drinks, have proven to be a hit since their recent launch at the Balancing Heart Vineyard.
“Surprisingly, the response has been overwhelmingly positive,” Mike said.
“I got the shock of my life when I found out the elderly customers loved the idea as it allows for smaller servings of different wines, not just one big bottle.”
However, some challenges come with packaging wine in a can, including a 12-month shelf life. Mike is aware of this and states, that the wines have been crafted for immediate consumption to ensure a soft and approachable taste.
This initiative brings a positive close to the year of Balancing Heart Vineyard as they hold their breath for 2024 where they will find out if the recent fires have caused smoke damage to the new crop.
As Balancing Heart Vineyard pioneers the shift towards environmentally conscious winemaking, Mike encourages everyone to embrace change and make small efforts to contribute to a more sustainable future. The Wine in a Can concept challenges preconceived notions, offering a delightful surprise for those willing to experience quality wine in novel and eco-friendly packaging.
“We encourage everyone to come out and try it, I think you will be pleasantly surprised at the quality and concept of the Wine in a Can,” Mike said.
