Caring for our country
At Tahbilk we believe our role is not to grow grapes but to create the environment where grapes can grow. The word environment refers to the surrounds (the climate) in which organisms live; a complex arrangement between nature and the regulation of life. A favourable microclimate can be created by influencing localised atmospheric conditions taking the edge off harsh weather events. The environment has a direct impact on grape quality - the maturity, purity, condition, flavour and character of the grape. It’s these fundamental elements which are integral to creating high quality, consistent, flavoursome and expressive wines that Tahbilk is known for.
Trees for the next generation
At Tahbilk we embrace the opportunity to be able to give back to our local community as well as future generations by restoring our landscape with an array of native trees, shrubs and grasses.
Our work to restore the landscape formerly commenced in 1995 whereby we actively sort partnerships with local organisations to fast track our activity.
We learnt an incredible amount during that period from our tree planting partners as they guided us through the process of selecting local species which would encourage the most productive biodiversity outcomes for our local environment.
We continue to work with local government agencies to plant trees, conduct analysis on local plant and animal populations and also focus on native corridor connection, water run off quality, wind and water erosion sites and other immediate benefits of revegetation.
Since that time our revegetation programs have continued to go from strength to strength with up to 160 hectares of our land now rehabilitated.
We thank all of those who have helped us on this journey including Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority, Dookie Seedbank, Euroa Arboretum, Goulburn Broken Indigenous Seedbank, Taungurung Land & Waters Council and C02 Australia.
Carbon sequestration
In 2012 our first Carbon & Biodiversity Assessment was complete with CO2 Australia to determine the sequestration potential of our plantings.
Based on the report we determined 983tCO2 was a conservative and appropriate figure to use to offset Tahbilk's carbon foot; this figure was used for the 2012 - 2017 year carbon audits.
The assessment was completed again in 2018 to account for vegetation growth and additional plantings. The outcome being an increased offset position utilised in the 2018 audit to date.
Protecting ecosystems
We continue to look to the future to seek an understanding of our future beyond sequestration. We know trees offer a safe haven for an abundance of biodiversity and we believe as ecosystems continue to be erroded by people safe havens for wildlife will become increasingly important and valuable.
In 2020 we undertook an Ecological Assessment Report to start us on the right path to understanding so that we can continue further our aspirations to ensure our ecosystems are protected and value also understood.
