Appolo Vineyards First Winery to Get Sustainability Recognition

The New Hampshire Sustainable Craft Beverage Program is recognizing Appolo Vineyards in Derry, a veteran-owned business established in 2006, for its environmental leadership and sustainable initiatives. It is the first winery to be included in the recognition program.

Appolo Vineyards focuses on sustainability from the ground up. All wines are produced in 100% recyclable containers, and all grape materials such as skins, seeds, stems and leaves are composted or given to local farmers for animal feed. The winery also wrapped its chill tank in insulation to increase efficiency. Appolo Vineyards owner Mike Appolo plans to become LEED Green Building certified and install solar power.

Appolo Vineyards is also on a mission to grow grapes without using pesticides. The 1.5 acres of grape vines are protected through the use of techniques such as pruning properly to prevent moisture, using species-specific noise machines to keep the birds away, and selecting specific disease- and harsh climate-tolerant grape cultivars. These actions have prevented the need for the cocktail of pesticides commonly used to protect grapes, a meaningful impact given that grapes are one of the most heavily treated produce with an estimated average application of about 25 pounds of pesticides per acre of vineyard.

The Sustainable Craft Beverage Recognition Program is a free, voluntary program offered to environmental leaders in the craft beverage industry who go above and beyond to produce high quality eco-friendly craft beverages. Recognition requires the completion of an application and a site visit by New Hampshire Pollution Prevention Program (NHPPP) staff for verification. This visit also gives NHPPP staff the opportunity to offer additional suggestions for sustainability practices.

NHPPP is a non-regulatory business assistance program founded in 1991. The program offers free technical assistance to all businesses and organizations throughout New Hampshire by helping them to reduce waste and save money. The new Sustainable Craft Beverage Recognition Program expands on work NHPPP has been doing with the craft beverage industry to improve energy efficiency, conserve water, minimize waste, and reduce the volume and strength of wastewater. The programs’ goal is to publicly recognize craft beverage producers who are making sustainable choices, preventing pollution, conserving resources and encourage other producers to implement sustainable practices.

For more information visit the NH Sustainable Craft Beverages Program webpage or contact Kathy Black at kathryn.black@des.nh.gov or (603) 271-6460.