Accolade Wines Launches Banrock Station in the US with Arbor Day Foundation Partnership

Accolade Wines, producers of premium wine brands across the globe and the largest producer of wine in Australia, in partnership with the Arbor Day Foundation, is pleased to launch Banrock Station, a premium range of South Australian Riverland wines in the US (SRP $10, line priced).

Founded in 1995, Banrock Station’s commitment to the environment extends over 20 years, reinvesting a portion of profits from every bottle of wine sold in environmental projects that focus on preserving the planet across the globe, including over 130 projects in 13 countries amounting to $7.5 million to date. Banrock Station’s ongoing commitment to the environment is founded on its dedication to restoring and protecting the wetlands that grace its pristine vineyards along the banks of the meandering Murray River in South Australia’s Riverland. It is unique for a winery to have wetlands on its estate; Banrock Station’s wetlands are Ramsar-certified, the international standard for designating rare and special wetlands.

“Sustainability is at the heart and core of Banrock Station, every drop goes into helping conserve the planet,” says Shannon Grant, Managing Director of the Americas at Accolade Wines. “Banrock has a rich global legacy of prioritizing planet conservation and supporting causes the brand, and its consumers are passionate about. Our impact would not be possible without our consumer, and we are beyond proud to be able to make a difference in the US together with the Arbor Day Foundation.”

“We are thrilled to work with Accolade Wines to help increase the scope of our impact in the diverse ecosystems in the US,” said Dan Lambe, chief executive of the Arbor Day Foundation.

“It is so meaningful to partner with an organization who has integrated sustainability and environmental stewardship at the core of their culture. As Accolade Wines continues to influence the world by ‘making every drop count’, we will do our part by making every tree that is planted count in these forests of great need.”

Banrock Station and the Arbor Day Foundation have identified the following regions and projects in the US for their initial work together:

• Northern California: Wildfire Recovery
  • Recent wildfires have taken a massive toll on privately owned forestlands throughout northern California. Tree planting is focused on replacing the coniferous tree cover.The newly planted trees will grow to support the broad range of biodiversity found here.
• Florida Panhandle: Hurricane Michael Reforestation
  • In October of 2018, Hurricane Michael carved a path of destruction through the Florida panhandle, leaving entire forests destroyed. Dedicated tree planting efforts focus on reestablishing the lost tree canopy. These efforts focus on restoring the sustainable forestry industry and at the same time improve soil and water conservation, reduce the risk of wildfire and provide better wildlife habitat.
• Michigan: State Forests
  • Banrock Station and the Arbor Day Foundation are working with the state of Michigan to replant Michigan’s forestlands on a large scale. These forests were heavily logged in the late 1800s, statewide conservation efforts have been focused on bringing public lands back to their natural state. As the forests mature, these new trees will provide a wide variety of ecosystem services including carbon sequestration and water filtration.
• Oregon: Wildfire Recovery
  • The Bootleg Fire in southern Oregon in summer of 2021 burned over 400,000 acres of forest, making it the third-largest fire in the history of Oregon. The fire was devastating for the trees and wildlife of Klamath Falls Basin, a hub for biodiversity, serving as one of the state’s top nesting areas for bald eagles. Wide-scale reforestation plans and the return of this tree canopy will support a wide range of wildlife.

• Texas & Louisiana: Habitat and Biodiversity
  • Eastern Texas and Louisiana both have stretches of land blanketed in native shortleaf pine ecosystems which are currently shrinking due to centuries of harvesting, land use change, disease, pests, and other factors.This forested area is being actively managed to restore the shortleaf pine tree canopy. Replanting shortleaf pine trees reestablishes nature’s balance, improving habitat for various migratory and resident wildlife/

For more information on the partnership visit: https://banrockstation.com.au/blogs/our-journal/wine-trees-banrock-station-s-compelling-new-pairing.

The Banrock Station wines include a Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. In keeping with its values, the range uses a lightweight bottle and features artwork on the package reflecting the unique flora and fauna surrounding its vineyards in the Australian Riverlands. Banrock Station wines are available at major retailers nationwide. For more information, visit  https://www.banrockstation.com.au/.