Argyraki Estate: “Winery with zero energy footprint”

Athor >

Argyrakis

Spyros Argyrakis, owner of Argyrakis estate: “We believe that energy investments are economically worthwhile and contribute to the common goal for a sustainable future”.

-When did the bioclimatic winery start operating – are renewable energy technologies applied in all units?

The construction of the winery was completed at the end of 2015. The design, however, had begun much earlier, during my master's thesis, where the bioclimatic winery was the subject of study. The idea is simple: we try to reduce consumption to a minimum and produce our own energy. Specifically, we have placed the winery in a suitable location so that we can take full advantage of the air and sun. Our goal is to be able to maintain a stable temperature in summer and winter with minimal energy consumption. We have minimized energy losses to the outside environment to a minimum, with appropriate insulation and reduction of openings (doors, windows). On the production side, all the machinery we have chosen to use is designed to reduce the energy required. The winery's lighting fixtures are LED type. We use solar collectors for all the hot water used in the winery. We have also installed the corresponding 25kw photovoltaic panels in order to be completely self-sufficient. This is how we managed to make the energy class of the winery A+.

-Have you amortized the investment?

Although we initially estimated that the payback period would be six years, the use of programs such as the NSRA has reduced this time by half! We believe that investments in the energy sector are cost-effective and contribute to the common goal of a sustainable future.

-What is the result in terms of electricity consumption? What have you gained in terms of energy since the winery first opened as a bioclimatic winery?

The results are very impressive; since 2018, electricity bills have been zero. Of course, there are some fees thatwe pay, such as for ERT, but in terms of electricity consumption from the grid, it is zero. Consider that a winery of our size would have a consumption of around €900-1100 per month, while for us it is €0. From a financial point of view, this change represents a significant reduction in our operating costs. Apart from the environmental benefit, which we consider paramount, from a financial point of view, the difference is significant for us and the sustainability of the winery.

-What is the specific environmental footprint of your business?

As far as the winery's operation is concerned, its energy footprint tends to zero. The highest energy consumption is observed in the distribution of wine, as we use a diesel-powered car. However, from the beginning of 2024, the company truck will be replaced with a new electric truck, which will be charged by the winery's solar panels. In this way, we will also reduce the energy footprint of wine distribution to zero. These moves have a very significant environmental impact, as the wine that reaches the consumer has been produced and delivered using exclusively solar energy.

-Did the technology used in the production process play a role?

The entire design of the bioclimatic winery aims to optimize the production process. The temperatures achieved are ideal for wine at every stage of production. So yes, it has a positive effect on the production process.

-What is the capacity of the winery in terms of bottling and which varieties does the wine come from – is the production available on the domestic market or do you also export abroad?

We are a boutique winery from Veroia, specializing in and passionate about the local Xinomavro grape variety. Our vineyard is located in Trilofo, in the PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) region of Naoussa, an area that produces wines with a strong character.

Our goal is to enhance the expression of the diversity of our terroir (local area) and explore the potential of the powerful Xinomavro variety, while respecting the environment and the people who produce and consume it. Our collection includes a total of 5 labels. The "Atti" series consists of 3 unique Xinomavro blends, helping the public to get to know the characteristics of this variety. The "Chronos" series is produced from 100% Xinomavro grapes in two versions, white (blanc de noir) and red, and produces complex, dynamic wines with great aging potential. Our wines are not just products, but expressions of the character and tradition of our region. Our total production capacity is 25,000 bottles per year. Alongside our presence in the domestic market, we continue to export approximately 40% of our production, mainly to Europe and the USA, with the aim of sharing the culture and taste of Xinomavro beyond our borders.

-How much has the climate crisis affected your production?

We can see that the weather has changed; this summer was a challenge. The unpredictable nature of the weather has made it difficult to control conditions in the vineyard, resulting in the emergence of diseases. In Xinomavro, we were fortunate not to be affected too much, we had a small reduction in quantity, of around 15%, which we believe will have a positive effect on the quality of the wine. Climate change is something that will undoubtedly affect our work in the vineyard and our daily lives. Reducing our energy footprint is no longer a luxury, it is an obligation. -You are a civil engineer and also a member of the Board of Directors of the Northern Greece Winegrowers' Cooperative and the Naoussa Winegrowers' Cooperative. Do your colleagues share the application of RES for their businesses? Has there been any progress?

ENOAVE consists of 35 wineries in northern Greece, while the Naoussa Association consists of 25 wineries in the Naoussa region. Both ENOAVE (Association of Northern Greek Winemakers and the Naoussa Association, there is a strong desire for development and awareness of environmental issues. I am very happy to be involved in both of these collective bodies, because they are distinguished by their spirit of cooperation and appetite for development.As far as renewable energy sources are concerned, the truth is that over the last three years, more and more wineries have been using them. This is largely due to the programs of the Ministry of Agriculture, which subsidize the installation of RES in wineries with the aim of achieving energy autonomy. I am confident that in the next five years, most wineries will base their operations on RES installations, a fact that makes me very optimistic about the future and the contribution of our industry to climate change.
Βιοκλιματικό
Close ✕

Category

Price