Sustainable Winegrowing Australia report outlines contribution of Margaret River wineries

A peak industry group said Margaret River wineries are at the forefront of bringing greater sustainability measures into concrete practice.

The Sustainable Winegrowing Australia program, led by the Australian Wine Research Institute, Australian Grape & Wine and Wine Australia, recently released its inaugural impact report measuring the contribution of vineyards nationwide since a framework for greater eco-friendly measures was first introduced.

The Times previously reported wineries including Voyager Estate had committed to zero-emissions goals as part of efforts to combat climate change and as a member of International Wineries for Climate Action.

But other vineyards had also stepped up under the new Australian program, the report revealed.

Sustainable actions focused on waste management and water use in particular, as well as cutting energy use and working with local community partners on environmental initiatives.

Chair of Sustainable Winegrowing Australia Tony Battaglene said the program now had almost 900 participating members.

“More than half of Australian wine consumers are driven by sustainability and this number continues to increase alongside the growing global demands for products that demonstrate sustainable practices,” he said.

“Sustainability credentials are key to remaining competitive in an international market, and the new report highlights how program members are working to match and contribute to the global sustainability standards increasingly expected by leading markets around the world.”

Devil’s Lair viticulturist Simon Robertson the winery sought to compost their own grapes and maintain more-than-equal natural vegetation compared to planted vines.

“At Devil’s Lair, we’re always trying to respect the environment and improve our vineyards and the wines we make by doing things like encouraging biodiversity,” he said.

“Being a certified member of Sustainable Winegrowing Australia has guided our sustainability journey with access to benchmark criteria and data that help us monitor how we’re improving the vitality of our land and the Margaret River region more broadly.

“We’re already seeing positive changes in vine performance, vine health and vine quality. The region and the industry benefit — and our customers do too, because they can taste the difference in the wines they’re enjoying.”

Voyager head of sustainability Michelle McManus previously said buyer expectations were a big factor in the evolving industry sustainability focus.

Consumers “expect the brands they love to be addressing critical issues like climate change,” she said.