The expression “waste not, want not” is lost to many businesses in BC, but not Tinhorn Creek Vineyards in Oliver.
The winery has been lauded by the Real Estate Foundation of BC for its environmentally friendly waste practices. In fact, the vineyard was a recent finalist in the foundation’s 2013 Land Awards.
The foundation stated that Tinhorn is Canada’s only carbon neutral winery that identified a need to sustainably manage waste from its Miradoro Restaurant.
The approach took into consideration neighbouring properties and wildlife as well as methods to divert waste from the landfill. The result is a program that combines food, grape/filtration and landscape waste as compost that is then used on the vineyards.
“It serves as a model for wineries all over the world,” the foundation stated.
Tinhorn Creek president and winemaker Sandra Oldfield said they would certainly welcome other wineries to contact them if they wish to see Tinhorn’s way of composting.
Oldfield said she is also hoping to discuss the Bokashi method with Southern Okanagan Secondary School as a trial to handle some of its food waste.
Oldfied said Tinhorn has been putting together a way of incorporating all three streams of compost (winery waste, Miradoro waste and landscaping waste) into one program for nearly two years.
“The current method takes into account aromas usually generated by compost so that not only is there little smell but also there is no attractant for wildlife.”
She said the Bokashi method is unique and was taught to her when she became a master composter through the regional district program.
Oldfield explained they are able to divert or make into higher quality compost approximately 100 tons of grape and winery waste (seeds, skins, stems, filter pads and filtration material), as well as 5.5 tons of food waste from Miradoro’s kitchen and dining area.
What is unique about the food waste program, other than it does not generate aromas, is that it takes care of meat and bread – two items that do not go into traditional compost systems.
The amount of landscaping waste that is chipped and added to the above food and grape waste has not been calculated but is significant as well, Oldfield stated.
Lyonel Doherty
Olive Chronicld
