English Sparkling Wine Production
Ridgeview is dedicated to the health of the planet, the wellbeing of employees and the trust of customers. We simply believe in doing better business. Our ambitions to lead the way in sustainable and ethical business practices mean that we are committed to making every step along the journey – from vine to glass – efficient, ethical, and ecologically positive. We have achieved several of our self-initiated sustainability goals in recent years and continue to make positive changes. Ridgeview is on the founding committee of Sustainable Wines GB. Our vineyard and winery have been audited and received official sustainable certification under the scheme.
We focus on four pillars of responsible practice: Sustainable production; Responsible business; Progressive employer; Community development
In our vineyard and winery we are making continuous improvements to our practices, setting new standards for sustainable growing and production. This includes cover crop biodiversity, improving soil structure as well as encouraging natural grape pests and reducing use of herbicides. In addition, our underground wine cellars require no energy supply, instead relying on natural, ambient temperature control. We have also completed the lightweighting of our packaging, removing any surplus glass from the bottle that makes it heavier than it needs to be. This not only saves resources in glass manufacturing but also in postage, both in weight charges and cost to our customers.
Responsible Business
We apply conscious energy practices, using solar energy, sensor-activated lighting systems and LED bulbs to illuminate our outdoor facilities, including our visitors parking areas. Across our estate, we use a Bio-Bubble wastewater treatment system to process all waste – including that from our winery, offices and domestic buildings. We are making great progress towards rainwater harvesting for grey water, which will allow us to more sustainably manage onsite bathrooms, vineyard spraying, cleaning and washing of our machinery as well as watering our diverse plant-life across the estate.
Progressive Employers
We are proud to support and comply with the Real Living Wage campaign and have made sure our pay structures realistically offer employees a wage that reflects their hard work, loyalty and dedication. We have undertaken and implemented a gender pay analysis, support equality and diversity employment practices and are members of Disability Confident. Annually we hold staff health and wellbeing check-ups in line with MSDC guidelines. We follow a positive mental health programme, training all staff and nominating qualified mental health first aiders. As a family business, we believe in the principles of treating everyone equally and fairly.
Community Development
Ridgeview proudly supports social, corporate and education initiatives within the wider community. We sponsor Sussex Cricket Club and a variety of foundation sporting clubs in Burgess Hill. Ridgeview is a very active member of the wider business community across Sussex. Our contribution was recognised with Tamara Roberts, Ridgeview CEO, named as Sussex Businessperson of the Year in 2019. We foster close links with neighbouring Plumpton Winemaking College and have employed many graduates. We also take a wider interest in the local initiatives by local secondary schools in promoting our industry and working with the University of Sussex. We provide charitable support across many national and local initiatives. We love nothing better than to give back when we can.
Looking ahead, what are the longer-term company goals?
Currently under review as we are in the process of our B-Corp application. These should be published and we can update you by end of Q2.