Barrique Fine Wines is an ethically minded, quality driven, wine merchant specializing in developing the understanding, experience and passion of aspiring wine drinkers across the UK. With this in mind, we have chosen five sustainable pathways to focus on over the next three years.

CARBON FOOTPRINT REDUCTION

Where possible, we have calculated our greenhouse gas (GHG) footprint based on the first three months of 2022 trading.

Scope 1 emissions: Caused by any process or activity by the company that causes greenhouse gas emission.
1st Jan – 31st March: 3.57 tonnes of CO2e Delivery vehicle diesel

We are in the process of calculating our Scope 2 emissions with our office facilities management company.

Currently, it isn't logistically practical to introduce an electric delivery van. Therefore, we have taken the decision to offset our GHG emissions with the recognition that carbon offsetting is not the solution, however it does promote positive and measurable environmental actions that impact communities around the globe.

My Carbon Plan are the only not-for-profit dedicated to carbon offset project in the UK and we have pledged to donate the equivalent of off-setting 25t of carbon this year, far more than our expected output. This will equate to over 5000 square meters of woodland being planted on the southern boundary of the Lake District.

NPD & PACKAGING

As a wine merchant, we only purchase and produce packaging for ecommerce orders. Currently, all cardboard packaging used is manufactured using 100% recycled material and is 100% recyclable, biodegradable and compostable. We are currently investing in fully recyclable, plastic-free, vegan packaging tape.

A large amount of our wine comes packed in cardboard cases which are reused for trade customers who order less than a full case. Any cardboard packaging that cannot be reused for repacking, is recycled.

STAFF WELFARE AND PROGRESSION

Barrique Fine Wines is committed to providing an enjoyable working environment for all staff members as well as implementing support and benefit packages. We’ve prioritised staff progression with the introduction of more frequent performance reviews alongside the opportunities to complete courses that support their role. We are planning at least two staff trips to UK based producers over the next 12 months alongside yearly team bonding days where we down tools and enjoy a day together, outside of the office.

Recently, we have also introduced a monthly fuel allowance to support staff with the rising forecourt costs.

COMMUNITY

We are committed to donating prizes to community fundraising causes. Examples of causes that we have already donated to include Drake’s Fish & Chips Ukraine Fundraising appeal and Ossett Brewery’s fundraising event in aid of Forget Me Not Children's Hospice.

To support the growing cost of living crisis, we are supporting Leeds North and West food bank by purchasing and donating much needed supplies throughout the year. We are drawing up a donation schedule and will start this in July 2022.

We will continue to use local companies for business supplies where possible.

RESPONSIBLE PORTFOLIO SOURCING

We are introducing more UK made wine into our portfolio, with the aim to have at least UK produced three Red, White, Rose and Sparkling options available within the next 12 months.

We are currently collecting information on how many of our suppliers are certified organic, use sustainable practices and are vegan/ vegetarian. This information will then shape our commitment and will support our website that will be updated to clearly display this information.

The introduction and de-stigmatisation of canned wine is essential to bring the industry in line with consumer attitude. With this in mind, we are aiming to establish a range of canned wine into the Barrique portfolio and actively promote this to our customers.