Caretaking a Precious Environment
The south-west of Australia is one of the original 25 globally recognised ‘Biodiversity Hotspots’ and the first identified in Australia. Margaret River’s natural environment is ideally suited to producing some of the world’s most celebrated wines.
The Margaret River Wine Association Sustainability Program focuses on protecting biodiversity and driving action across pillars of environmental resilience, social responsibility, waste reduction and climate action.
A cornerstone is supporting wineries to engage with Sustainable Winegrowing Australia, achieve certification, and build a sustainable future.
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.
AMANDA WHITELAND
CEO, MARGARET RIVER WINE ASSOCIATION
Sustainable Winegrowers Australia
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 managing, supporting, and promoting sustainability and is modelled on global best practices and aligned to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, with progress towards these monitored annually.
Certified Organic & Biodynamic Producers
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.
“The key to biodynamics is microbiological life in the soil. It’s like a gut biome, if you have healthy microflora in the land, you have a healthy vine and fruit that reflects its environment. It’s about seeing the vineyard as a whole organism.”
VANYA CULLEN OAM
CULLEN WINES
Margaret River Lightweight Glass Charter
The Margaret River Wine Association and its members are committed to continuous improvement, with a focus on leaving the land and planet in better condition for future generations.
Wine packaging contributes to 44% of emissions associated with wine production, from grape to end-of-life packaging (Wine Australia, 2023). By switching to lightweight glass, these emissions can be reduced by over 20% with this single, impactful change (Hirlam et al., 2023).
Through the Lightweight Glass Packaging Charter, we are committed to driving the adoption of lightweight glass in the Margaret River wine region as part of our broader sustainability efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Margaret River Wine Association Sustainability Report
This annual report captures the annual progress, celebrating the region’s collective and individual producer’s achievements. This annual report captures the annual progress, celebrating the region’s collective and individual producer’s achievements. This annual report captures the annual progress, celebrating the region’s collective and individual producer’s achievements. This annual report captures the annual progress, celebrating the region’s collective and individual producer’s achievements. This annual report captures the annual progress, celebrating the region’s collective and individual producer’s achievements.
