Wise Wolf By Banrock Station: A game-changing innovation for the Australian wine industry

Accolade Wines has launched a game-changing innovation in sustainable packaging for the Australian wine industry – Wise Wolf by Banrock Station made with 91% recycled glass[1].

The visually distinctive bottle is one of the most sustainable glass wine bottles launched in the Australian market and it is looking to tap into the growing demand by consumers for great tasting wine that comes in packaging that is more environmentally conscious than standard wine bottles.

“The launch of Wise Wolf by Banrock Station in Australia today reflects Accolade Wines’ commitment to continue being a global leader in sustainable packaging,” said Chief Marketing Officer Sandy Mayo.

“When it comes to circular packaging solutions, Wise Wolf by Banrock Station is a game changing innovation for the Australian wine industry[2].

“The Wise Wolf bottle makes old glass new again – it literally gives glass another life.”

“The North Star for us is that we want to see these bottles become bottles, again and again.”

“We are constantly searching for new and better ways of doing things, and while we know it is not perfect yet, Wise Wolf is a major step forward for more sustainable wine packaging in this market.”

“Our hope is that Australian consumers will embrace Wise Wolf and come along with us on our journey as we make wine packaging more sustainable, and as the technology evolves and more recycling infrastructure comes online.”

Wise Wolf by Banrock Station is launching in major retailers nationally from October with a Limestone Coast Chardonnay and an Adelaide Hills Sauvignon Blanc. A Barossa Valley Shiraz will join the line up from next year.

“Wise Wolf is not just about a recycled glass bottle, it is a continuation of the proud 25-year legacy of Banrock Station’s commitment to environmental preservation,” Ms Mayo said.

Banrock Station has a history of driving environmental change, spanning over a quarter of a century and contributing more than $7.5 million in funding for conservation projects across 13 countries.

The launch of Wise Wolf is the latest milestone for the brand whose enviable track record on sustainability includes the launch of the first 100% recycled plastic eco-bottles in both Australia and the UK.

As well as its environmental credentials, the Wise Wolf range promises to be a hit with wine consumers with discerning palettes, having been crafted from the highest quality grapes by some of the best winemakers in South Australia.

Accolade Wines worked closely with a number of suppliers on the innovation to ensure all elements of the packaging were designed to use the most sustainable materials available to them including the:

• 91% recycled glass developed in partnership with Visy Glass
• Labels made from 100% upcycled sugarcane
• Caps made with 26% less materials than average caps and an expected 40% recycled aluminium content
• Wine cartons made from 100% recycled paper pulp

Visy’s Director of Sales and Business Development, Peter Lloyd, praised the collaboration between the two companies to bring the packaging innovation to the Australian market.

“We are pleased to partner with Accolade Wines to pack 91% recycled glass into their Wise Wolf wine bottle for the Australian market,” he said.

“More recycled glass means less waste to landfill and lower greenhouse gas emissions. It also means less reliance on natural resources like sand.”

“At Visy, we’re delivering on our $1 billion investment to increase the amount of recycled glass in our packaging.”

Visy and Accolade Wines teams spanning new product development, innovation and sustainability spent 16 months working together to develop the 91% recycled glass bottle.

The teams developed a range of solutions to ensure all components were the highest possible percentage of recycled content available to them while maintaining consistently high quality.

Ms Mayo said the Wise Wolf brand name is a reference to the positive effect that wolves have had on eco-systems in the northern hemisphere. One example is in Yellowstone National Park where wolves were reintroduced in the 1990s, seventy years after disappearing, and triggered a wave of positive changes across the eco-system.

“Just as the wolf can be the catalyst for positive change in the environment, our ambition is for Wise Wolf by Banrock Station to spark positive changes across the wine industry,” Ms Mayo said.

“As one of the largest wine companies in the world, Accolade Wines is focused on leading the pack with innovations that make real and lasting change.”

“We believe that we have a responsibility to provide wine consumers more sustainable packaging choices and we hope that others in the industry join us.”

Central to the Wise Wolf brand is transparency and access to packaging information. A QR code on the label links to www.banrockstation.com.au/pages/wise-wolf  where more information about the attributes of each component of the packaging is outlined.

Tasting notes:

Wise Wolf Sauvignon Blanc

“Wise Wolf Adelaide Hills Sauvignon Blanc displays distinct aromas of elderflower, lemongrass and

lime peel, accented by subtle green herbaceous notes. The palate is smooth with a great length

of juicy, green apple; finely balanced with a zesty grapefruit finish.”

– Nicole Brasier Winemaker, Wise Wolf

Wise Wolf Chardonnay

“Wise Wolf Limestone Coast Chardonnay displays a wonderful bouquet of white stone fruits,

green melon and nougat. The palate is a smooth mix of white peaches, nutty flavours followed

by a gentle vanilla oak.”

– Nicole Brasier Winemaker, Wise Wolf

Pricing and Availability:

Wise Wolf by Banrock Station will be available in major retailers including Dan Murphy’s, BWS and First Choice from October 2023 and Liquorland from February next year.

• Chardonnay 750ml | Limestone Coast | RRP $25
• Sauvignon Blanc 750ml | Adelaide Hills | RRP $25

[1]91% certified recycled glass produced by Visy Glass.

[2] The bottles are made with 91% recycled glass, the labels are made from 100% sugarcane by-product, the caps are made of approximately 40% recycled aluminium, the outer cases are made from recycled paper pulp, and the bottle and cap can be recycled.