The voluntary program takes a holistic approach, looking at aspects of a business or vineyard, from land, soil, water, and people and business, to biodiversity, energy and waste.
South Australia is undeniably the Australian wine state, with more than 3,250 growers and 75,000 hectares under vine. South Australia accounts for almost 80% of the nation’s premium wine, produced from some of the oldest vines in the world. It dominates the national wine industry with 700 wineries, which represent just under half of the country’s vineyards. South Australia’s capital Adelaide is also home to world-renowned Australian Wine Research Institute (AWRI) as well as Wine Australia and Australian Grape & Wine, which are the trio of organisations behind SWA.
Against a backdrop of climate challenges such as water scarcity, climate change and energy-intensive production, South Australian producers are leading the way in sustainable approaches: the state boasts the highest percentage of wineries and vineyards certified through the program among all Australian states. Certified businesses can use a trust mark to demonstrate to other businesses and consumers that they have been through the rigorous certification process.
Across the 18 distinct wine regions of South Australia there is a deep commitment to caring for the land from which the grapes emerge that produce world-class wines. Nearly 40 percent of the McLaren Vale wine region is certified organic and/or biodynamic, the highest of any wine region in Australia. Meanwhile, 80% of vineyard area in the Barossa is under SWA membership, with 1,620 hectares set aside for biodiversity areas. Stories of sustainability echo further afield, and are captured in case studies on the SWA website, such as about Raidis Estate in the Coonawarra and their efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through integrated pest management and efficient irrigation practices. Another example from the Coonawarra is Penley Estate and how they use technology to improve water management.
SWA recently welcomed a new independent chair Siobhan Toohill who shared her perspectives on an AWRI webinar about emerging sustainability priorities — both locally and globally — and what they mean for Australian wine. She said that sustainability is no longer a “bolt on” idea; it is much more about being integrated into leading practices. She also noted there is a growing focus in sustainability on “social standards” which include human rights and modern slavery. The industry will be increasingly asked to monitor and disclose what they are doing in these areas to be compliant. Another major discussion topic is the responsible use of technology. In her comments, she also said that we have so much to learn from Indigenous communities on looking after the land.
Industry and consumer recognition through initiatives such as the Great Wine Capital Best Of Wine Tourism Awards and the SAWIA Excellence Awards help to shine a light on positive case studies that the broader industry can learn from. Recent award winners include Bottle Shock, Sidewood Estate, Kaesler Wine and Hill Smith Family Estates.
Social licence to operate also plays a key role in ensuring the wine industry meets evolving community expectations. To this end, the Best Of Wine Tourism Awards in South Australia are being presented in partnership with DrinkWise, an independent, not-for-profit organisation that works with government, industry and community organisations to promote responsible alcohol consumption. As part of the awards, entrants will have the opportunity to showcase how they provide visitors to their cellar door with a positive experience.
Sustainability is a process of reinvention, renewal and evolution, and South Australian wine producers are on board.
Photo: Fleurieu Peninsula, South Australian Tourism Commission