The 2022 Sustainable Winegrowing Australia Impact Report was released on February 28, and Margaret River Wine Region’s adoption of the program is leading the nation.To coincide with its release, the Margaret River Wine Association advised there has been significant growth and support of the Sustainable Winegrowing Australia program in the region over the last two years. The Margaret River Wine Region now has 51 certified members compared to only 18 members in 2020.
Whilst Margaret River crushes less than 2% of Australia’s wine grapes, a disproportionate number of Sustainable Winegrowing Australia program members are in Margaret River, with 17% of Winery Members, 8% of Vineyard Members and 14% of Certified Members.
Currently, the Margaret River Wine Region Members of Sustainable Winegrowing Australia include:
67 Vineyard Members. 40 Certified Vineyard Members
19 Winery Members. 11 Certified Winery Members
7 Wine Business Members
The Margaret River Wine Region’s 40 certified vineyards cover 1,543 hectares, or 26% of the region’s vineyards. The 11 certified wineries crushed 12,786 tonnes in vintage 2022.
Margaret River Wine Association CEO Amanda Whiteland said, “The innate suitability of Margaret River’s land and climate to fine wine viticulture enables vignerons to grow outstanding grapes while working with the environment holistically. ”
“The Sustainable Winegrowing Australia program helps growers and wineries formalise their approach and put continuous improvement at the heart of their sustainability plans.”
“It is great to see vineyards and wineries taking their commitment to the next level through certifications.”
The Margaret River Wine Association is progressing towards an ambitious goal to achieve 100% of members compliant to the national Sustainable Winegrowing Australia program, and 50% certified by December 2025.
Search Sustainable Winegrowing Australia members here.
ADOPTING ORGANIC AND BIODYNAMIC PRACTICES
A growing number of vineyards are embracing reduced chemical use along with more regulated organic and biodynamic practices to maximise vine health and minimise harm to the surrounding ecology, returning good inputs such as compost back to the land.
At present, 738 hectares, or 12.6% of Margaret River Wine Region’s vineyards are certified organic or biodynamic. An additional 25 hectares of vineyards are in conversion and expected to be certified by the end of 2023.
Search certified as organic and biodynamic grape growers and wineries in Margaret River or those in the process of gaining certification here.