Australian Vintage has had 100 per cent of its owned and operated vineyards certified by Sustainable Winegrowing Australia.
External auditors from the National Association for Sustainable Agriculture Australia (NASAA) and Sci-Qual International found no corrective actions were required for Australian Vintage’s winegrowing practices.
Australian Vintage operates on more than 2600 hectares, growing and sourcing grapes from the Barossa Valley, Adelaide, Hunter Valley, Murray Darling and the Riverland region.
Australian Vintage senior viticulture manager Jurie Germishuys said the SWA certification supported Australian Vintage in progressing its sustainability roadmap, which incorporates regenerative agriculture practices and monitoring impact.
“Across our vineyards we’ve installed soil moisture probes that allow us to water when required, preventing excess water use and soil erosion, as well as replacing machinery and equipment with energy efficient alternatives like our electric forklifts, and we’ll also continue to investigate native plant species to increase biodiversity and attract beneficial insects.
“The certification is a great achievement of our operations and viticulture teams at each site and the business as a whole, as we formalise our approach and commitment to sustainable winemaking. It’s important we do good - for the land, our business and future generations,” said Germishuys.
Recent data from IWSR’s Wine Intelligence shows 65 per cent of Australian wine drinkers say they prefer sustainably made wine, while 54 per cent of global wine drinkers only trust sustainable wine that is officially certified.
Australian Wine Research Institute sustainability and viticulture manager Dr Mardi Longbottom said the institute was encouraged by the momentum and increasing ambition of its members.
“By purchasing wines from a certified producer, consumers can feel confident that they’re supporting sustainable-minded growers and winemakers, who are on a journey to shape the Australian wine community for good,” said Longbottom.
