Sustainable Winegrowing Australia
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.
Sustainable Winegrowing Australia is Australia’s national program for grape growers and winemakers to demonstrate and continuously improve their sustainable practices in the vineyard and winery through the environmental, social and economic aspects of their businesses. The voluntary program takes a holistic approach to manage, support, and promote sustainability and is modelled on global best practices and aligned to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, with progress towards these monitored annually.
This program is an obvious extension of the natural environmental advantage of Margaret River as one of the world’s most pristine fine wine producing regions and complements the Association’s ongoing sustainability work. Search members at www.sustainablewinegrowing.com.au
Organic and Biodynamic Wine
The Margaret River region’s pristine natural environment lends itself to minimal-intervention viticulture, and a growing number of vineyards are embracing organic and biodynamic practices and philosophies.
To identify the grape and wine producers in the Margaret River Wine Region who are certified as organic or biodynamic or those in the process of gaining organic or biodynamic certification, see the Margaret River Organic Wine dedicated website www.margaretriverorganicwine.com
Margaret River Lightweight Glass Charter
The Margaret River Wine Association wants to see Margaret River continue to lead the way in the uptake of lightweight glass and has launched a Lightweight Glass Charter.
The Charter is designed to acknowledge the action taken by producers to reduce the carbon footprint of their business and encourage others to do the same.
This Charter supports a similar retail campaign in Europe, and it is also supported by Wine Australia’s Emissions Reduction Roadmap which identifies a shift to lightweight as a leading action to reduce emissions.
See here to learn more about the Charter, signatories, and to identify Margaret River wines in Lightweight Glass.
Phylloxera-Free
Margaret River is one of the few wine regions in the world able to grow vines on their own root system (Vitis vinifera), without the need for phylloxera-resistant rootstock. The absence of the vine pest phylloxera has meant most vineyards have been grown from cuttings taken from high-quality, existing vineyards. This has allowed for the selection and propagation of very high-quality heritage clones of each grape variety. Margaret River’s distinctive style of Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon is linked to two Western Australian heritage clones; Gingin (Chardonnay) and Houghton (Cabernet Sauvignon).
Shoes and clothing can spread this pest that attacks grapevine roots and causes decline in vine health. To help protect Margaret River vines from phylloxera and other pests and diseases , please ensure you don’t walk amongst our vines.
A Certified ECO Destination
The Shire of Augusta Margaret River has been certified as an ECO Destination – the first in WA and one of four in Australia! The globally recognised certification process is rigorous and recognises the efforts of the entire community as well as local government and tourism industry towards all aspects of local sustainability.
The globally recognised Ecotourism Australia certification process is rigorous and recognises the efforts of the entire community, local government and tourism industry towards all aspects of local sustainability.
It’s no secret that our ECO Destination is one of the most pristine and biodiverse environments in the world, we all benefit from the majesty of this place, travellers and locals alike. With this, comes a responsibility to preserve and protect it so that it can be enjoyed for generations to come. T
Connect deeply, walk softly and and leave only footprints behind.