Sustainable winegrowing

Barossa growers are getting behind sustainable viticulture, working with the land to nurture healthier soils, richer biodiversity, and smarter water conservation. From native revegetation and regenerative farming to cutting-edge water management, these initiatives aren’t just about protecting the vines—they’re about future-proofing an entire way of life.

Sustainable Winegrowing Australia is the national sustainability program for the wine industry, supporting growers and winemakers in adopting best-practice environmental, social, and economic sustainability. Aligned with global standards and the UN Sustainable Development Goals, the program provides a framework for continuous improvement, certification, and market access, ensuring a resilient future for Australian wine.

Regenerative farming techniques, such as cover cropping and composting, are restoring soil health, increasing organic matter, and improving water retention. Native vegetation corridors are being planted between vineyards, creating habitats for beneficial insects and wildlife while reducing the need for chemical inputs. Innovative water management, including moisture monitoring and recycled wastewater systems, ensures that every drop is used wisely, protecting this precious resource.

Many Barossa growers and wineries are also certified members of Sustainable Winegrowing Australia, the national program that provides independent auditing and accreditation for sustainable practices. This commitment isn’t just about doing the right thing—it’s about measurable impact. Certification gives credibility to each decision made in the vineyard and winery, ensuring that sustainability efforts aren’t just talked about, but tracked, verified, and continuously improved.

Wineries are stepping up too, investing in solar energy, lightweight glass bottles, and circular waste solutions to cut emissions and reduce environmental impact. Barrel reuse programs, composting grape marc, and minimising packaging waste are just a few of the ways Barossa producers are embracing a carbon-conscious future.

This isn’t just sustainability—it’s a deep respect for the land and a shared commitment to the future. By championing these practices, Barossa is not only safeguarding the essence of its wines but also strengthening the bond between the region, its people, and the environment.

Curious to see it in action? Come and explore the vineyards shaping tomorrow.

Barossa’s sustainability credentials

80%

Vineyard area under Sustainable Winegrowing Australia membership

241

Vineyards and wineries are members of Sustainable Winegrowing Australia

135

Certified members have reached “best practice,” verified by third-party audit under the Freshcare standard

1620 Ha

Set aside for biodiversity areas by vineyard members

99%

Wineries that separate waste into types, and store to minimize risk of contamination

96%

Vineyards that manage adverse weather events with strategic irrigation application

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Barossa Vintage Festival

85+ events | 23-27 April 2025