Silverhand Estate Becomes First UK Vineyard to Achieve Carbon-Negative Status—Without Offsetting

Silverhand’s journey to becoming carbon-negative is the result of extensive emission reductions across its vineyard and winery in Luddesdown, Kent—all accomplished without reliance on external offsetting. As a fully operational farm as well as a vineyard, Silverhand Estate integrates sustainable farming and viticulture techniques, supported by a dedicated conservation team who work year-round to maintain and enhance the estate’s unique ecosystem.

This expert team’s ongoing efforts, combined with eco-friendly operations and advanced sustainable practices, have allowed Silverhand to achieve a zero-carbon footprint while preserving the quality and integrity of its award-winning wines. This achievement highlights the Estate’s role as a leader and innovator when it comes to setting new standards in the English wine industry.

Will Moreno, Conservation Manager at Silverhand Estate, commented:

“True sustainability requires responsibility at every stage, which we achieve through a range of innovative practices and our participation in the Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier scheme. Achieving carbon-negative without offsetting proves that it is possible to operate in complete harmony with nature. Our team’s dedication to emissions reduction and biodiversity protection reflects our commitment to a sustainable future for winemaking.”

Gary Smith, CEO of MDCV UK (the parent company of Silverhand Estate), added:

“At Silverhand Estate, sustainability goes beyond practice—it is fundamental to who we are. Every decision we make, from organic farming and eco-conscious packaging to minimal-intervention winemaking, is aimed at making a positive environmental impact.”

Silverhand worked with the Farm Carbon Toolkit to measure and report its carbon-negative status. Their recent findings show that across 2023 the estate achieved an impressive carbon balance of -1.4 tonnes of CO2e, a result of its high levels of carbon sequestration across more than 500 hectares of grapevines, woodland, and grasslands.*

Looking to the future, Silverhand Estate will remain steadfast in its commitment to sustainability, embracing regular soil organic matter sampling to further refine and enhance its carbon storage capabilities. By prioritising soil health and fostering biodiversity both above and below ground, the estate is poised to amplify its environmental impact, setting a gold standard for sustainable winemaking and paving the way for a greener future in the industry.

For more information on Silverhand Estate’s commitment to sustainability and to explore our premium wine collection, visit www.silverhandestate.com.

* Modelled carbon sequestration data was based on the UK Woodland Carbon Code, Natural England’s figures for sequestration, and the Farm Carbon Toolkit’s own research.