Barrique Fine Wines is an ethically minded, quality driven, wine merchant specialising in developing the understanding, experience and passion of aspiring wine drinkers across the UK.
We are proud to have produced our sustainability practices in line with the Harpers Sustainability Charter and are looking forward to developing them in the coming months and years.
Keep an eye out for updates on our progress as well as new initiatives.
Carbon footprint reduction
Where possible, we’ve calculated our greenhouse gas (GHG) footprint based on the first three months of 2022 trading.
Our diesel delivery van produced 3.57 tonnes of CO2 emissions during this period.
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.
Responsible Portfolio Sourcing
We are introducing more UK made wine into our portfolio, with the aim to have at least three UK produced 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 increasing our canned wine offering and will be actively promoting this to our customers.
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.
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.
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 along side the opportunities to complete courses that support their role. We are planning at least 2 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.
Compliance and certifications
We’re proud to be apart of the Harpers Sustainability Charter. The goal of this Charter is to build a network of sustainably minded businesses and be a reference for companies looking to work with sustainable partners.
By tracking progress across various key areas of sustainable advancement, the Sustainability Charter initiative will showcase the commitment of signatories (both individually and collectively) to deliver a sustainable future for the UK drinks trade.