We acknowledge the traditional custodians throughout the South West of Western Australia / Noongar Boodja and their continuing connection to the land, waters, and communities. We pay our respects to all members of the Whadjuk, Pinjarup, Wilman, Wadandi, Pibelman, Kaneang, Minang, Koreng Aboriginal communities and their cultures; and to Elders past, present, and emerging.
11 Beulah Wines: Pioneering sustainable practices in an emerging wine region
WESTERN AUSTRALIA’S CARBON FOOTPRINT BASELINE – 2021 VINTAGE
19 From Climate Science to Farm-Gate Solutions: WA Wine Industry Collaboration Pilots Data-Driven Adaptation
Viticulture at Aylesbury Estate
DRIVING SUSTAINABILITY IN WESTERN AUSTRALIAN WINE 2024-2025 PROGRAM
28 Cherubino Wines: Water-Focused Soil Management Achieves Carbon Negative Status
Margaret River Wine Region: Leading Through Strategic
FOREWORD
Message from Wines of WA CEO
Wines of Western Australia (WoWA) was established in 1987. As the peak representative organisation for wine producers in the State our mission is to provide a unified, strategically influential voice that creates opportunities for the fine wine regions and producers of Western Australia.
Working with industry and key stakeholders, WoWA developed the Strategic Plan for the Western Australian Wine Industry 20242034, which has provided the framework for funding partnerships with Wine Australia and the WA state government. The Wine Industry Partnership (WIP) with the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) focuses on developing high value domestic and international markets and supporting producers to adopt world’s best practise growing and production methods to achieve an aim to be recognised as one of the top ten regions internationally for sustainable wine production.
The Western Australian wine industry stands at a pivotal moment. Our pristine environment and unique terroir have long been our competitive advantage, but today’s global market demands more than exceptional quality wines – it requires demonstrable commitment to environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and economic resilience.
The Western Australian Wine Industry Sustainability Strategy 2025-2029 – Building a Resilient Future marks a transformative step for our industry. Building on the foundations established in our Strategic Plan for the Western Australian Wine Industry 2024-2034, this initiative positions sustainability as one of five strategic priorities that will define our future.
Our commitment extends beyond compliance. We are targeting ambitious goals: 75% of producers certified under
internationally recognised sustainability standards by 2029, 40% reduction in carbon emissions by 2030, and recognition as one of the world’s top ten regions for sustainable wine production. Through feedback gained over the past 12 months these aspirational targets are supported by detailed implementation plans, dedicated funding, and collaborative partnerships across government, industry, and research institutions.
This inaugural Sustainability Report sets the baseline and outlines how Western Australian winegrowers and producers can lead through innovation and collaboration. From the Margaret River region’s pioneering sustainability program to emerging regions embracing climate-smart practices, we are creating a model for sustainable wine production that respects our unique environment while ensuring long-term economic viability.
In the face of climate change, evolving market expectations, and increasing global competition, our focus on sustainability is not just an environmental imperative – it’s a business necessity.
This strategy represents our commitment to preserving Western Australia’s natural advantages while building the skills, technologies, and partnerships needed to thrive in a changing world.
Larry Jorgensen Chief Executive Officer Wines of Western Australia
To be recognised for our sustainability by becoming international leaders in sustainable wine production by targeting
The highest share of growers and producers in Australia who are accredited sustainable producers to international standards, and
Consumers recognise Western Australia as one of the top ten regions internationally for sustainable fine wine production.
Western Australia’s wine industry is committed to enhancing industry sustainability to support growth and investment across the value chain. We are ensuring that Western Australia’s fine wine regions remain viable, dynamic, and responsible, while continuing to produce the renowned fine wines they are known for.
Our approach to sustainability encompasses:
Environmental Stewardship
Implementing climate-adaptive practices, reducing carbon emissions, enhancing biodiversity, conserving water resources, improving soil health and minimising waste across the value chain while ensuring resource efficiency contributes to long-term economic viability.
Social Responsibility
Building industry resilience through workforce development, supporting regional communities, ensuring workplace safety, fostering diversity and inclusion, creating sustainable livelihoods and engaging with First Nations knowledge and participation.
Economic Resilience
Building the capacity of wine businesses and the broader industry to maintain profitability, adapt to market disruptions, and invest in long-term sustainability while preserving the premium positioning that differentiates WA wines globally.
Governance
Establishing transparent leadership structures and ethical business practices that ensure accountability, regulatory compliance, and responsible risk management while driving innovation and creating enduring value throughout the supply chain.
This report establishes our baseline performance and sets out our strategic direction for the next five years, in alignment with Wine Australia’s Safeguarding the Future for Australian Wine, An Emissions Reduction Roadmap, September 2023 [1] and the principles of Australian Grape and Wine’s One Grape & Wine Sector Plan, Resetting the path to Vision 2050. [2] Through collective action and a shared vision, we are working to position Western Australia as a global leader in sustainable winegrowing.
WESTERN AUSTRALIAN WINE REGIONS – ESSENTIAL INSIGHTS
9 Wine Regions across Western Australia
55,000 tonnes Production Volume 430 Producers $727.9 million annually largest
Western Australia’s wine regions are founded on scientifically documented natural advantages detailed in DPIRD’s comprehensive analysis Geology, soils and Climate of Western Australia’s wine regions.[4] While these advantages are extraordinary, they require proactive stewardship to maintain their competitive edge.
Geographic isolation provides biosecurity advantages, but vigilance is essential.
Open ocean and the Nullabor Plain create natural biosecurity barriers, keeping Western Australia phylloxera-free. However, increasing global trade and climate pressures make isolation alone insufficient, requiring proactive biosecurity protocols as essential, not optional, responses.
Ancient geological foundation offers unique terroir potential.
Western Australia’s wine regions are established over some of Earth’s oldest bedrock. Almost 70% of our wine regions sit over rocks older than 600 million years, with about 40% of vines growing over rocks older than 1 billion years. The Yilgarn Craton (2.6+ billion years old), Albany-Fraser Orogen (1.1 billion years old), and Leeuwin Complex (up to 1 billion years old) provide distinct geological signatures across regions. This ancient foundation creates weathered soil profiles and unique mineral compositions rarely found in global wine regions but requires understanding of regional geological diversity for optimal site selection.
Mediterranean climate under measurable pressure.
Our Mediterraneaninfluenced climates historically supported premium wine production, but this advantage is actively eroding. Southwestern WA has experienced 10-20% winter rainfall decline since the 1970s, with June and July rainfall declining up to 20% since the mid-1970s - the largest regional decline in Australia. Growing degree day accumulations show warming trends across regions, with some areas exceeding optimal ranges for traditional varieties. Our climate advantage depends on immediate adaptation strategies, not passive reliance on historical patterns.
Southwest Australia Global Biodiversity
Hotspot status creates opportunity with obligation.
Six of our nine wine regions lie within this globally recognised hotspot, supporting over 4,000 endemic plant species with 49% found nowhere else on Earth. With only 30% of original vegetation remaining and continuing habitat pressure, our biodiversity advantage requires active regenerative practices and landscape stewardship across all regions.
Diverse soil landscapes from ancient weathering.
Each region offers distinct soil expressions from deep weathering of ancient bedrock: Margaret River’s ironstone gravels over Leeuwin Complex granite; Great Southern’s diverse soils spanning Yilgarn Craton and AlbanyFraser Orogen; Perth Hills’ metamorphic complex soils from Jimperding and Chittering formations; Pemberton’s coolclimate ironstone gravels and red-brown loams across multiple geological units; Geographe’s mixed Yilgarn Craton and Perth Basin sediment soils; Swan District’s alluvial plains and coastal dune systems; and Blackwood Valley, Manjimup, and Peel’s characteristic Yilgarn Craton-derived profiles. These lateritic formations and deep weathering profiles create unique terroir expressions but require region-specific management approaches for optimal vineyard performance.
COLLABORATIVE INNOVATION:
GOVERNMENT-INDUSTRY PARTNERSHIP
DRIVES WINE SUSTAINABILITY
Regions: Great Southern and Margaret River
The WA Government’s Shoestring Digital program, led by DPIRD in collaboration with the University of Cambridge, North Metropolitan TAFE and local service providers, is transforming wine industry sustainability through low-cost digital monitoring solutions under AU$600. Assisting SME producers who want to start or enhance their sustainability journey, the program offers a suite of digital solutions including power, temperature and efficiency monitoring, with comprehensive technical support provided.
Scalability Across Operations
Three WA wineries demonstrate the program’s adaptability across different scales, driven by varied motivators including Sustainable Winegrowing Australia certification requirements, environmental performance improvement goals, and the need for affordable technical solutions. “The Shoestring Digital approach is easily scalable depending on what outcomes you’re after,” explains Sam Palmer, Winemaker at Castle Rock Estate (~280 tonnes capacity), who implemented power meter readers to isolate winery consumption for Sustainable Winegrowing Australia reporting.
Fraser Gallop Estate (300 tonnes capacity) focused on chiller monitoring to understand their largest electricity consumer. “We are continually looking for practical ways to improve our environmental performance while maintaining the quality and character of our wines,” says Head Winemaker Ellin Tritt, highlighting energy use optimisation opportunities from equipment shutdown during non-operating hours to peak-pricing avoidance.
Heytesbury Wine Group, includes Vasse Felix and Idée Fixe wineries (combined capacity of ~2,250 tonnes), deployed comprehensive monitoring across both facilities. “We have reduced our air conditioning run times in
our warehouse by up to 4-6 hours a day and now run to conditions and timers to maintain steady temperature,” reports Brent Carter, Sustainability and Compliance Officer.
Sustainability Outcomes
Early results demonstrate measurable improvements. Fraser Gallop Estate’s monitoring identifies seven energy efficiency opportunities, whilst Castle Rock Estate’s data supports renewable energy investment decisions. Vasse Felix’s warehouse optimisation illustrates immediate energy savings through condition-based operation.
Future Impact
These producers position digital innovation as fundamental to industry sustainability. “Digital data is the only way to provide the required information to drive and justify improvement, especially as we all work towards net zero goals,” emphasises Carter.
Palmer reinforces the industry leadership imperative: “The success and longevity of our industry is dependent on our ability to establish rigorous sustainability practices.”
The Shoestring Digital program demonstrates how accessible technology enables WA wine producers to build data-driven sustainability foundations supporting the industry’s goal of recognition as one of the top ten sustainable wine regions globally by 2034.
Want more information? Email foodindustryinnovation@dpird.wa.gov.au to start your Shoestring Digital Solution today.
SUSTAINABILITY IN PRACTICE
BEULAH WINES: PIONEERING SUSTAINABLE PRACTICES IN AN EMERGING WINE REGION
Region: Blackwood Valley
What began as a creek rehabilitation project in 2007 at Beulah Wines in Boyup Brook, Blackwood Valley, has evolved into an 18-year showcase of integrated farming demonstrating how environmental restoration drives business innovation. The Nield Family’s transformation of degraded waterways across their 500-hectare property created thriving native ecosystems while establishing a commercial native seed production enterprise, proving that wine, livestock and environmental enterprises operate as mutually reinforcing systems.
The Transformation
Initial Investment (2007-2011)
• Total funding: $25,460 (Groundworks Southwest Land Management Program + $3,600 farm contribution)
• Area rehabilitated: 12 hectares across three creek line locations
• Cost effectiveness: $2,000 per hectare
• Native species planted: Over 15 species including 4500+ individual plants and 6kg of seed for direct seeding
• Methods: Strategic fencing, livestock exclusion, direct seeding, tree planting
The species selection was comprehensive and locally appropriate, including significant plantings of Eucalyptus wandoo (2,000 plants), Eucalyptus maculata (2,000 plants), and Acacia saligna, Acacia extensa (direct seeded), alongside smaller quantities of specialised species such as Melalecua, Banksia species, and various understory plants selected for specific soil and moisture conditions.
Comparison of rehabilitated area. Image (a) taken in 2010 prior to direct seeding and native seedling plantings, while image (b) is a panoramic view taken in June 2025 showing significant establishment of grasses, shrubs and trees, resulting in erosion control, improved water retention and wildlife corridors.
Proven Outcomes
Environmental Performance By 2011, rehabilitated areas showed established vegetation communities with high survival rates. Strategic use of Acacia saligna provided excellent early ground cover and erosion control, naturally dying after 5-7 years to allow eucalyptus and melaleucas to establish. Today, high-density self-sown melaleucas flourish along creek lines, matching natural bush patterns nearby.
The rehabilitated areas now retain water in the lower landscape, improving water quality and providing pumping options during dry seasons that enhance drought resilience. Biodiversity improvements include increased populations of small birds (wrens, robins), regular red-tailed black cockatoo visits, and gilgies (freshwater crustacea) returning to the creek system. Wildlife corridors now connect rehabilitated areas to remnant bush, enhancing landscapescale conservation.
Exceptional Cost-Effectiveness
The project’s financial sustainability is impressive. Annual maintenance costs have averaged just $500 per year – primarily for fence repairs and spot spraying – totalling approximately $7,000 over 14 years compared to the original $25,460 investment. This represents negligible ongoing costs while delivering sustained environmental and business benefits.
Business Innovation
The Nields developed environmental expertise in trialling a native seed production orchard, plus utilising rehabilitated areas as seed sources. A commercial planting of Kunzea pomifera (Muntries) supplies fresh, frozen and freeze-dried berries to premium suppliers like Fervor events. This demonstrates market demand for sustainably produced native products. Wine production operates with minimal chemical inputs and zero pesticides. While reviewing the suitability of Australian Wool Sustainability Scheme certification alongside exploring synergies with other certification schemes that share similar sustainability pillars, the Nields are avoiding duplication while building comprehensive credentials.
Taken June 2025. Left hand image looking south through rehabilitated creek-line with livestock excluded since 2007. Right hand image looking north along adjacent creek-line where livestock have not been excluded.
Industry Influence and Adaptive Management
The spectacular everlasting daisies flourishing in Beulah’s rehabilitated areas captured industry attention beyond Western Australia. Skillogalee Estate in Clare Valley successfully trialled the wildflower approach in vineyard mid-rows in 2024 through the EcoVineyards program, with winemaker Kerri Thompson “gobsmacked” at their performance in extremely dry conditions.
The 2023-24 drought provided a practical resilience test. When feed became scarce, Craig strategically grazed sheep in a 3-hectare section – the first time such management was considered. Light grazing didn’t significantly impact rehabilitation, while areas holding water and maintaining green native grasses through summer provided valuable drought protection. This experience now informs developing comprehensive land management protocols for both drought resilience and innovative fire management strategies, including mosaic burning techniques that could enhance longterm ecosystem health.
Integrated Innovation and Industry Leadership
Beulah Wines operates as a fully integrated system where creek rehabilitation supports vineyard sustainability, livestock drought resilience, and commercial seed production. Technology adoption includes photo-point monitoring, drone footage, weather monitoring, and sustainable practices like reduced plastic use and non-mulesed sheep management.
The sustainability philosophy has extended through the generations, with both Craig and Jodi’s parents adopting environmental practices into their respective farming enterprises, and both Nield children actively engaged in discussions and decision-making, despite pursuing alternative career paths. This ensures continuity while bringing fresh perspectives across the diverse enterprises. The 18-year journey reveals critical success factors: costeffective restoration at $2,000/ha with minimal maintenance, revenue diversification, and whole-farm integration generating operational synergies.
Based on this success, expansion plans include additional rehabilitation work, increased seed production, continued pasture improvement and deep-rooted cover crops. For other producers, key recommendations are: “Look at what works in your local area, use endemic species where possible, and remember that environmental benefits are positive.” Most significantly, successful knowledge transfer to interstate wine producers demonstrates scalability.
As Western Australia’s wine industry works toward recognition as one of the world’s top ten sustainable wine regions by 2034, Beulah Wines provides a practical model for future-proofing operations while enhancing natural landscapes.
Spectacular native everlastings, Rhodanthe chloreocephala spp rosea, planted mid-row at Beulah Wines in 2023.
WESTERN AUSTRALIA’S CARBON FOOTPRINT BASELINE – 2021 VINTAGE
Western Australia’s wine industry has taken its first decisive step toward sustainability leadership by establishing a comprehensive carbon emissions baseline using data from Wine Australia’s Safeguarding the future for Australian Wine, An Emissions Reduction Roadmap, September 2023. [1] While this 2021 assessment of 160,736 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (tCO₂e) represents our best available data foundation, it acknowledges important gaps that create clear opportunities for enhanced measurement and targeted action through the Western Australian Wine Industry Sustainability Strategy 2025-2029 – Building a Resilient Future. This baseline isn’t just about numbers – it’s about WA’s commitment to becoming Australia’s sustainability leader while protecting our premium wine reputation for future generations.
What the data tells us:
• Total Emissions: 160,736 tCO₂e
• Carbon intensity: 2.970 tCO₂e per tonne of grapes - above international benchmarks but with clear pathways for improvement
• Biggest opportunity: Packaging represents 41% of total emissions, with Margaret River’s lightweight glass initiative already showing the way forward
• Hidden strength: Lower electricity intensity (9% vs 13% nationally) reveals strong foundation for renewable energy expansion
• Collaboration potential: 77% of emissions occur in our value chain, creating significant opportunities through partnerships with suppliers and distributors
This baseline establishes a credible starting point for WA to pursue the highest share of certified sustainable producers in Australia while building international recognition as a sustainable fine wine region – turning our challenges into competitive advantages.
Methodology and Scope
This baseline represents Western Australia’s first systematic assessment of wine industry emissions, built on primary data from approximately 35-40% of industry businesses (primarily Sustainable Winegrowing Australia participants) and extrapolated using Wine Australia’s total hectare and production statistics.[1] While this provides reasonable business representation, the production volume share represented by participants is unknown, and Sustainable Winegrowing Australia participants may not reflect broader industry practices.
Where WA-specific data was unavailable, national averages and international benchmarks were applied following international best practice. The assessment covers all nine wine regions across Western Australia’s entire value chain, from vineyard operations through to end-of-life packaging disposal.
This approach establishes a credible foundation for tracking sustainability progress and enables targeted regional initiatives. Most importantly, it demonstrates our commitment to transparency and continuous improvement as we work toward our 2030 emission reduction targets.
Total Western Australia Wine Industry Emissions Profile
Scope 1 (Direct emissions): Fuel combustion in vineyards and wineries
Figure 1. Western Australian wine industry emissions by scope (a) Total, (b) Vineyard, and (c) Winery. [1]
Table 1. Carbon emissions scope definitions
Figure 2. Western Australian wine industry emissions profile by source for wineries (a) and vineyards (b). [1]
Carbon Intensity Metrics
Carbon intensity is total carbon emissions (tCO₂e) divided by tonnes of grapes harvested. In 2021 WA produced 160,736 tCO₂e from 54,116 tonnes production, harvested off 10,784 ha.
• Per Hectare: 14.9 tCO₂e per hectare of vineyard
• Per Tonne of Grapes: 2.970 tCO₂e per tonne of grapes harvested*
• Per Bottle: Approximately 3.2 to 3.4 kg CO₂e per 750mL bottle of wine produced**
* Primary industry metric for vineyard and wine production analysis.
** Based on assumed extraction of 700 and 650 L per tonne grapes (vine to bottle) respectively for production of premium wine.
Strategic Position: Western Australia vs National Performance
Carbon Intensity Comparison
Western Australia’s carbon intensity of 2.970 tCO₂e per tonne compares to the national average of 0.949 tCO₂e per tonne (1,927,072 tCO₂e from 2.03 million tonnes production), representing a significant opportunity for targeted intervention. This intensity difference reflects WA’s unique market positioning as a premium, export (domestic and international) focused wine region in a geographically isolated location. Rather than seeing this as a disadvantage, it highlights our potential for leadership in sustainable premium wine production.
Our higher baseline means every improvement delivers greater impact. When combined with our strengths in renewable energy efficiency and packaging innovation such as Margaret River’s lightweight glass initiative, we’re positioned to demonstrate that premium wine regions can achieve dramatic emissions reductions while maintaining quality and export competitiveness.
Table 2. Emissions scope performance comparison: Western Australian wine industry compared with the 2021 national average. [1]
Primary Emissions Sources
Packaging Dominates (41% of total emissions) Glass and packaging represents the single largest contributor at 60,892 tCO₂e (38% of total), with related transport and distribution adding 43,126 tCO₂e (27%). This 65% combined impact highlights packaging as the critical intervention point for emissions reduction.
Value Chain Intensity Scope 3 emissions represent 77% of WA’s footprint, significantly higher than the national average of 73%, indicating that WA’s wine industry is more dependent on external suppliers and logistics networks. This value chain intensity creates both challenges and opportunities across multiple categories:
Vineyard Dependencies (14,474 tCO₂e total): Chemical inputs dominate at 13,790 tCO₂e, representing 58% of total vineyard emissions and 2.1 times higher than direct fuel combustion. This heavy reliance on purchased chemicals and other inputs highlights significant opportunities for sustainable procurement strategies and integrated pest management approaches.
Supply Chain Leverage: The concentration of emissions in packaging and chemical supply chains means WA’s emission reduction success depends heavily on supplier partnerships and industry collaboration. Unlike regions with higher direct operational emissions, WA’s pathway to sustainability leadership requires coordinating action across multiple external partners –positioning the industry to drive broader supply chain transformation that extends well beyond regional boundaries and influences global wine industry practices.
Operational Efficiency Potential Fuel combustion represents the largest operational emission source at 8,438 tCO₂e, split between vineyard operations (6,468 tCO₂e) and winery operations (1,970 tCO₂e), with additional sources including refrigerants (913 tCO₂e), fertilisers (934 tCO₂e), and crop residues (247 tCO₂e). Immediate efficiency opportunities focus on fuel optimisation through equipment upgrades, precision agriculture technologies, and operational scheduling improvements, while refrigerant management and fertiliser application efficiency present additional quick-win opportunities for emission reductions and improved cost-effectiveness.
Fermentation processes generate 12,241 tCO₂e and make up part of biogenic emissions, along with carbon sequestration, in wineries and vineyards. They are not included within the baseline emissions calculation within the Australian grape and wine sector [1] but have been highlighted to illustrate their contribution and the opportunity for carbon dioxide capture.
Next Steps and Continuous Improvement
As the industry implements the sustainability strategy, data collection will expand across all regions and operation types, enhancing accuracy of future reporting and enabling more targeted regional initiatives. This baseline should be viewed as the definitive starting point for measuring progress toward 2030 emission reduction targets, with annual updates planned to track improvement and refine reduction strategies.
The comprehensive nature of this assessment, combined with Western Australian Wine Industry Sustainability Strategy 2025-2029 – Building a Resilient Future, positions the Western Australian wine industry to achieve its goal of becoming international leaders in sustainable wine production while maintaining the premium positioning that drives export success.
IN PRACTICE
FROM CLIMATE SCIENCE TO FARM-GATE SOLUTIONS: WA WINE
INDUSTRY COLLABORATION PILOTS DATA-DRIVEN ADAPTATION
Region: Great Southern
“Climate change is already accelerating ripening. The 2024 harvest was brought forward by nearly three weeks,” observed Murray Gomm from Oranje Tractor Wine. While an outlying season, Murray’s observation captures what producers across Western Australia are experiencing firsthand – the subtle but undeniable shifts that signal deeper transformations unfolding in our vineyards.
This observation sparked an innovative collaboration that’s redefining how our wine sector approaches climate adaptation. Led by ARCA Sustainability’s founder Isidora Bianchi, the Climate Resilience Assessment Pilot 1 represents the industry’s response to a critical gap – translating cutting-edge climate science into actionable business intelligence.
Significantly, this pilot project was principally self-funded by participants seeking practical solutions, demonstrating genuine industry commitment to evidence-based adaptation. The collaboration brings together Oranje Tractor Wine’s 3.16-hectare Albany operation, founded by Murray Gomm and Pamela Lincoln in 1998, with Chalari Wines, established in 2017 by Alexi Christidis, creating a comprehensive vineyard-to-winery assessment model.
The platform combines satellite imagery, artificial intelligence, and over 200 peerreviewed studies to deliver location-specific climate risk and opportunity assessments. “The gap isn’t just about access to climate science, but about translating that science into actionable, economically viable decisionmaking tools,” Bianchi explains.
Phase 1 – the Pilot Project
Oranje Tractors’ regenerative agriculture approach to viticulture positions the vineyard as a low carbon operator, actively sequestering carbon through soil health practices.
Meanwhile, Chalari Wines’ minimal intervention winemaking processes and comprehensive renewable energy sourcing strategies create a synergistic sustainability model that extends from vineyard to cellar. This integrated approach delivers measurable environmental benefits, achieving a carbon footprint of just 0.9 kgCO2eq per wine bottle – considerably below the national average.
Rob Frith.
Figure 3. Total carbon emissions for Oranje Tractor Wine across vineyard and
production.
However, pressing adaptation needs emerged. The property’s natural water source has diminished by 50% in the past year alone, forcing exploration of alternative irrigation solutions. “Vines are smaller,” Murray notes, capturing measurable changes in growth patterns reflecting shifting growing conditions. Meanwhile, the warming of winter seasons is projected to disrupt the vines’ essential dormancy chilling hours, threatening fruit quality and yield consistency.
“No matter the size of your business, investing in climate adaptation today is critical to future proof your business tomorrow”
The assessment identified location-specific opportunities alongside risks across the region. For example, in Great Southern’s Frankland River region, traditional frost risks will decrease while sunburn necrosis is projected to increase substantially. For Oranje Tractor’s Albany location, their later-ripening varieties will benefit from projected warming, provided water availability remains sufficient. The vineyard’s high soil organic carbon levels (5%) and established regenerative practices provide natural resilience against heat stress and hydrological extremes. These soil health investments create a buffer against climate variability, improving water retention capacity and supporting vine stress tolerance.
Figure 4. Carbon emissions profile for grape growing and winemaking operations at Oranje Tractor Wines (Total: 5,826 kgCO2e)
Figure 5. Climate resilience physical risk and opportunity assessment matrix – likelihood versus impact analysis
Advancing WA Wine Industry Strategic Objectives
This pilot project directly supports the WA Wine Industry Sustainability Strategic Plan 20252029, advancing business resilience through climate adaptation and driving industry innovation through strategic R&D partnerships. The successful Phase 1 aligns with emissions reduction goals and supports increasing sustainability certification by 40% statewide.
Phase 2: Climate Resilience Project
Extension will advance the platform to an actionable minimum viable product with integrated climate reporting and monitoring capabilities.
Phase 3: Scalable
SaaS Platform represents full realisation of a climate strategy roadmap with AI capabilities integration, extending coverage to across all WA wine regions and other sectors.
However, ARCA Sustainability’s limited development capacity creates a strategic decision point. Strong interest from broadacre agriculture and other climate-vulnerable sectors means the team must prioritise the industry demonstrating strongest commitment. The wine industry’s participation in Phase 2 will determine whether we secure access to purpose-built climate adaptation tools supporting our strategic sustainability objectives, or whether these resources are redirected to more responsive agricultural sectors.
Industry response will determine whether WA wine sustains its competitive advantage in climate-smart viticulture essential for achieving our 2025-2029 strategic goals.
Expressions of interest for Phase 2 participation can contact Isidora Bianchi at ARCA Sustainability for more information email: ibianchi@arcasustain.com.au
SUSTAINABLE WINEGROWING AUSTRALIA: WA BENCHMARKS
Key Highlights:
• Winery certification: 85% (22 of 26 members certified)
• Vineyard certification: 77% (86 of 112 members certified)
Western Australia demonstrates strong leadership in sustainable winegrowing with 75% of all members certified (110 certified, 36 members, 146 total) as of June 2025. [5] While direct comparison is limited by different reporting periods, this certification rate substantially exceeds the 55% national average reported in Sustainable Winegrowing Australia’s Impact Report 2024 [6], suggesting WA’s continued leadership trajectory in sustainability adoption. WA represents 5,088 hectares of certified and member vineyard area with 30,307 tonnes of grapes crushed by member wineries. [7]
WA Membership Profile
• Regional concentration: Margaret River dominates with 87 vineyard members and 24 winery members
• Industry representation & scale opportunity: 82% of WA’s wine operations produce <150 tonnes annually, current Sustainable Winegrowing Australia membership captures predominantly mid to larger scale producers. This indicates substantial growth potential to engage the state’s many small-scale operations, however, based on feedback from WoWA’s 2024 Sustainability Survey, the challenge to adoption lies in delivery of an affordable end-to-end management tool.
Table 3. Sustainable Winegrowing Australia membership statistics as of June 2025
Table 4. Regional distribution of Sustainable Winegrowing Australia membership types as of June 2025. [5]
WA Member Performance Highlights
Based on data collected through Sustainable Winegrowing Australia, Western Australian producers demonstrate strong performance across key sustainability areas:
Energy & Emissions
• 16% of vineyard members generate renewable energy onsite
• 52% of winery members generate renewable energy onsite
• Total renewable generation: 1.75 million kWh (vineyards and wineries combined)
Water Management
• 94% of vineyards use efficient drip irrigation systems
• Strong regional adaptation with Great Southern achieving 40% lower water usage per hectare compared to the WA average (0.77 ML/ ha vs 1.30 ML/ha)
• Water source independence with 99.9% from surface water dams (79%), groundwater (13%), and river water (8%)
WA’s impressive 75% certification rate demonstrates strong industry commitment to sustainability, though data analysis revealed several opportunities that could strengthen our impact measurement and national influence. Current reporting limitations include confidentiality protocols that prevent regional analysis where fewer than 5 members exist (such as Great Southern wineries), limited availability of disaggregated national benchmarks for meaningful state comparisons, and emphasis on practice adoption rather than environmental outcome metrics.
Biodiversity
• 79% of vineyard members actively protect and enhance biodiversity
• 1,609 hectares dedicated to biodiversity conservation
• 32% of members participate in off-farm biodiversity projects
Waste Management
• 77% of vineyard members implement waste recycling programs
• 92% of winery members recycle non-organic waste
• 64% of wineries compost organic process waste
We must prioritise expanding regional representation to enable complete statewide reporting, collaborate with AWRI and Sustainable Winegrowing Australia to advocate for enhanced national data standardisation, and develop WA-specific environmental impact measurement systems that track actual outcomes alongside our practice adoption rates. By addressing these data gaps while building on our existing sustainability leadership, WA can establish itself as both a national performance leader and a pioneer in evidence-based sustainability measurement, creating valuable insights that benefit our members and the broader Australian wine industry.
WATER SMART VITICULTURE AT
AYLESBURY ESTATE
Region: Geographe
Irrigation Upgrade Delivers 30-40% Water Savings in Ferguson Valley
Ryan Gibbs represents the sixth generation of his family farming in Ferguson Valley. Operating a diversified agricultural business including both wine production and cattle grazing, Ryan balances intensive and extensive land use systems across the property. With 150 years of agricultural experience behind him, he understands that sustainable land management requires constant adaptation.
“With each of our production systems we are ultimately seeking a balance between the capability of our land and what it can produce at the end of the cycle,” Ryan explains. “We have always treated the land as our most valuable raw material.”
When he observed uneven vineyard performance, increasing water use from the property’s dam, and rising energy costs, he recognised targeted action was needed.
“On the wine side of the operation - an intensive system compared to grazing - we have to be conscious of the increased output vines will give from the dirt they’re grown in,” he notes.
The Solution
Ryan invested approximately $15,000 to renew his 7.7-hectare vineyard irrigation system over 2-3 years with pressure compensated driplines – equivalent to ~$1,950 per hectare or $1.36 per vine. The upgrade was necessitated by water quality issues common in the Darling Scarp region, where elevated iron levels in runoff water had degraded his existing pressure compensated system and were blocking irrigation emitters, reducing system efficiency. “I think this problem is more widespread than people think - any grower using runoff water in the hill areas of the Darling Scarp will have elevated iron levels enough to cause issues,” he observes.
The renewed system maintains consistent water delivery regardless of pressure variations across the vineyard, using a flexible membrane that adjusts to pressure changes for uniform water distribution. Ryan now uses direct peroxide injection to clean the system and prevent blockages, plus annual fertigation post-harvest.
“My experience with irrigation hardware over 30 years is that the more complicated it’s designed, the less reliable it will be. We prefer simple, effective solutions,” Ryan notes.
Measurable Outcomes
Ryan’s practical monitoring approach across the 7.7-hectare vineyard (1,428 vines per hectare, averaging 8.5 tonnes per hectare yield) delivered clear results:
• Water efficiency: Estimated 30-40% reduction in vineyard water use
• Yield consistency: Most observable improvement in grape quality and production uniformity
• Energy savings: Significant reductions, though offset by rising electricity costs
• Risk management: Increased water security for dry seasons
“The risk management benefit of having more water volume available in poor seasons has been worth the investment alone,” Ryan emphasises.
Pressure compensated driplines can achieve up to 60% water efficiency improvements, making Ryan’s 30-40% savings a conservative outcome. The Australian Wine Research Institute identifies irrigation system efficiency as critical for water use optimisation, with approximately 87% of Australian wine grape production relying on irrigation.
Sustainability Philosophy
Ryan offers a candid perspective on industry sustainability programs, expressing frustration with initiatives that don’t understand farming realities. “We’re naturally invested in the land’s long-term health because it’s our livelihood. It’s somewhat insulting to be ‘told’ how to operate by people who don’t understand farming at ground level.” He believes the industry needs to shift the narrative from viewing farmers as environmental threats to recognising them as custodians of the land and preservers of the environment.
Ryan believes growers will readily adopt practices that make them more efficient, save money, or simplify operations - but many sustainability programs focus on measurement and compliance rather than practical outcomes. While recognising that you can’t monitor what you don’t measure, he argues programs need to deliver tangible economic benefits beyond data collection. His approach aligns with WA’s sustainability strategic goals of achieving 30% water use reduction by 2029 through practical innovation and support.
Message to Industry
Ryan’s advice to fellow producers reflects practical experience: “As growers, we try to be as gentle as possible to our environment. We can’t afford to waste time and money using excess chemicals or fertilisers that compromise our land. This is how we’ve functioned for 150 years.”
His irrigation upgrade demonstrates how targeted, practical innovation supports both environmental stewardship and business sustainability - exactly what WA’s wine industry needs for long-term success.
Major Achievements Delivered
Strategic Foundation Built
• Industry Reference Group (IRG) established. 14 members, representing all regional associations, production, viticulture, business sizes, DPIRD and Wine Australia
• Western Australian Wine Industry Sustainability Strategy 2025-2029. Building a Resilient Future completed with measurable SMART goals and operationalised for 2025-2026
Industry Engagement & Consultation
• Comprehensive sustainability survey completed across 50 producers (16% of WA’s wine producers)
• Sustainability Survey Regional priorities identified through extensive consultation
Top 5 Sustainability Priorities Across All Regions:
• Water management and conservation
• Soil health and regenerative agriculture
• Sustainability certification options
Sustainable packaging and waste management
• Circular economy practices and waste reduction
• 6 Workshops delivered across five regions, using interactive digital engagement, covering diverse topics and available through WoWA website
• Driving Sustainability in Wine, Great Southern, Swan Districts and Southern Forests with hybrid delivery
• Carbon Smart Wine Production, Geographe (recorded) and Swan Districts
• Winery Wastewater Management, Margaret River with hybrid delivery
• Wine Industry Wastewater Roundtable: Multi-regional with DPIRD and Environmental Experts
Slido – Interactive workshop tools to capture real-time responses.
Strategic Partnerships & Collaboration
Key Partnerships and Network
• Wine Australia & Wines of WA collaboration partnership
• Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development engagement and collaboration
• Department of Water and Environmental Regulation engagement and collaboration
• Regional support
• Margaret River Wine Show Trophy for Sustainability $2000
• Margaret River Wine Association Lightweight Packaging Initiative $5000
• Blackwood Valley Wine Industry Association Partnership, Grounded Festival 2025, Silver Sponsor $1500
• Sustainable Wine Roundtable membership
CHERUBINO WINES: WATER-FOCUSED SOIL MANAGEMENT
ACHIEVES
CARBON NEGATIVE STATUS
Regions: Great Southern and Pemberton
Cherubino Wine’s motivation seven years ago wasn’t carbon credits or sustainability credentials – it was water, in particular increasing water holding capacity of their Frankland River vineyard soils. “For every 1% increase in organic carbon levels, you get 3,000 – 185,000 litres of available water per hectare,” Larry Cherubino explains. “The motivation for the whole process was, how do we actually push as much organic carbon back into our soils?”
This water-focused pragmatism has delivered extraordinary results. Cherubino Wines has verified carbon negative status, with vineyards sequestering -10,284 kg CO₂e per tonne of grapes produced.
Key Insights:
• 84% increase in soil organic carbon (SOC) from 2020 to 2023
• Annual sequestration rate: 29.1 tonnes carbon per hectare
• Some areas reaching 6% SOC content
The Transformation in Numbers
The independently verified data tells a remarkable story:
• Soil organic carbon: Increased from 2.21% (2020) to 4.07% (2023)
• Net greenhouse gas emissions: Transformed from 207 t CO₂e to -11,485 t CO₂e annually
• Carbon sequestration: 11,706 t CO₂e locked into soil in 2022/23 alone
• Nitrogen efficiency: Reduced from 17.5 kg N/ha to 7.0 kg N/ha (60% reduction)
• Fertiliser application: Cut from 0.5 t/ha to 0.2 t/ha
• Yield maintained: 10-20% improvements in yield
Figure 6. Weighted average SOC of Cherubino Wines vineyards between 2020 and 2023
Table 5. Greenhouse gas emission sources and sinks of Cherubino Wines vineyards in the base year (2021/22) and assessment year (2022/23) EMISSIONS INTENSITY
Simple Solutions, Extraordinary Results
Cherubino’s approach deliberately avoids complexity. “Virtually all we’re using is just a Southwest mix,” Larry notes. “Nothing special, just a mix of species: oats, rye, some clovers, stuff that can grow mass that suits the southwest and has good germination. You don’t have to spend a fortune on fancy cultivars.” This mid-row cropping program runs across 160 hectares annually, with strategic timing incorporating pruning and mulching operations.
The biological transformation includes complete fertiliser program overhaul, switching from synthetic inputs like calcium nitrate and mono-ammonium phosphate to biological alternatives. “I wouldn’t even call it innovation,” Larry reflects. “My granddad was doing this 90 years ago. It’s the most basic of all principles.”
Achievements are verified through Carbon Friendly’s ISO 14064-2:2019/20 compliant methodology, with third-party verification by AUS-QUAL, providing access to global carbon markets.
The Business Reality
Sustainability comes with honest economics: approximately $300/t/ha more than conventional methods, with $25,000 initial certification costs. “Once you commit, it’s going to cost you 15 to 25% more in inputs but the costs do eventually come down as the numbers show,” Larry acknowledges.
However, the carbon negative status has opened crucial export markets. Head of Brand Marketing Lucy Anderson explains: “Our UK distributor Hatch Mansfield recently became
B Corp certified. In terms of market access, it’s been incredibly beneficial.”
Despite challenging conditions, Cherubino achieved their second-best Pemberton results on record in 2025, while enabling 30% bottle weight reduction across their range.
Future Vision
Cherubino Wines aims to achieve comprehensive climate neutrality across their entire operation through formal certification. This next phase involves verifying winery carbon emissions and extending carbon sequestration beyond viticultural land use to encompass all property and wine production areas.
Lucy envisions broader sustainability goals: “B Corp certification would be my ultimate goal within 5 years. It doesn’t just look at environmental but also social responsibility and governance.”
Cherubino Wines recently joined Carbon Friendly’s International Carbon Project, accessing a global network of verified sustainable agriculture operations for diversified revenue streams through carbon trading.
While Cherubino’s scale enabled formal certification investment, their fundamental practices – cover cropping, biological fertilisers, soil building – are already implemented by many WA grapegrowers. The challenge for smaller producers isn’t adoption but documentation, as Larry notes: “A lot of people are doing it without knowing they are. They just don’t have the evidence.”
Third-party verification by AUS-QUAL confirms Carbon Friendly Standard V1.4 compliance with ISO 14064-2:2019/20 Standard.
MARGARET RIVER WINE REGION: LEADING THROUGH STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP
Region: Margaret River
Margaret River region is Western Australia’s premier sustainability leader with four years of dedicated program development (2020-2024). The collaboration between Margaret River Wine Association (MRWA) and WoWA’s Sustainability Program demonstrates how established regional programs scale through strategic funding partnerships to deliver statewide benefits.
Lightweight Glass Charter: State-Wide Program Development
Building on MRWA Sustainability Program’s proven foundation, the Lightweight Glass Packaging Charter represents strategic collaboration between regional innovation and state-wide investment. In May 2025, WoWA’s Sustainability Program provided $5,000 funding support for the ongoing development of Margaret River’s packaging initiative.
In return for WoWA’s funding support all resources and tools associated with MRWA’s Lightweight Glass Packaging Charter were shared to enable a state-based program to be developed for all WA wine regions.
This collaboration includes:
• Transferring proven methodologies including the Average Bottle Weight Calculator
• Sharing educational materials and implementation guides
• Providing Charter framework access for adoption across WA regions
• Enabling Margaret River’s coordinated national media campaign
This partnership transforms a regional initiative into a state-wide program, positioning Margaret River region as the national leader in wine packaging sustainability.
Wastewater Leadership: WoWA-Led Advocacy Success
WoWA’s Sustainability Program has led constructive wastewater management engagement and advocacy, with MRWA as the key regional partner. WoWA’s coordinated stateled advocacy with Department of Water and Environmental Regulations (DWER) facilitated the May 2025 Winery Wastewater Roundtable at South Regional TAFE Margaret River, bringing together wine producers (61% from Margaret River), DPIRD specialists, and environmental consultants.
Margaret River goes lightweight
We believe the Margaret River Wine Region can be a leader in the uptake of lightweight glass.
Comprehensive Industry Workshop:
Building on the roundtable success, WoWA delivered a comprehensive Winery Wastewater Workshop on 12 June 2025 at Augusta Margaret River Shire Council Chambers. This half-day workshop provided practical guidance on sustainable wastewater management pathways, regulatory compliance, and treatment innovations. Expert facilitators from DPIRD, DWER, and environmental consultants delivered targeted sessions covering environmental licensing, monitoring requirements, and biological treatment systems, with participants receiving comprehensive resources including decision trees, compliance checklists, and digital calculation tools.
2025 Industry Engagement Outcomes:
Identified the need for an industry working group addressing wastewater management related concerns including:
• Regulatory compliance pathways and environmental risk assessments
• Technical innovation sharing for wastewater treatment systems
• Sustainable reporting frameworks for compliance monitoring
• Code of Practice
Collaborative Recognition: Inaugural Trophy for Sustainability
MRWA initiated the inaugural Trophy for Sustainability at the 2024 Margaret River Wine Show, with WoWA’s Sustainability Program providing sponsorship. This industryfirst initiative recognises wines of excellence meeting sustainability criteria including Sustainable Winegrowing Australia certification, organic/biodynamic status, or lightweight glass packaging.
Winner: Voyager Estate’s Coastal Cabernet Sauvignon 2023 (Certified Organic, Certified member of Sustainable Winegrowing Australia, transitioning to lightweight glass).
Strategic Investment Value
The partnership between MRWA and WoWA delivers maximum return on investment by transforming proven regional programs into state-wide initiatives. MRWA’s resource sharing ensures all WA wine regions benefit from tested methodologies, while WoWA’s strategic funding amplifies regional innovation for industry-wide impact.
The collaboration proves that sustainability leadership strengthens regional competitiveness through strategic partnership, positioning Western Australia’s wine industry at the forefront of national sustainability practice.
The Margaret River Wine Association is committed to fulfilling its custodial responsibilities towards safeguarding the region’s exceptional environment, rare biodiversity, and pristine land for future generations.
OUR PATH FORWARD: FROM BASELINE TO ACTION
Ambitious Targets for 2030
Based on our 2021 carbon emissions baseline data and aligned with the national Emissions Reduction Roadmap [1] Western Australia’s wine industry is committed to achieving:
• 42% reduction in carbon emissions by 2030 across all scopes
• 75% of producers sustainably certified
• 30% reduction in water usage across vineyard and winery operations
• 50% adoption of lightweight glass bottles (under 420g)
• 10% increase in land area dedicated to biodiversity enhancement
• 90% implementation of best-practice biosecurity protocols at WA vineyards
These targets represent Western Australia’s contribution to the national goals outlined in Wine Australia’s Emissions Reduction Roadmap [1] and align with the strategic priorities of the One Grape & Wine Sector Plan [2]
What Success Will Require
Achieving these targets will require collective action and commitment from all stakeholders in the Western Australian wine industry:
From Individual Producers
• Measuring and reporting carbon emissions across all scopes
• Implementing energy efficiency measures and transitioning to renewable energy
• Adopting sustainable water management practices
• Investing in lightweight packaging and exploring alternative packaging solutions
• Preserving and enhancing biodiversity on vineyard properties
• Participating in industry knowledgesharing and collaboration
• Facilitating knowledge sharing and best practices
• Supporting smaller producers with resources and expertise
• Representing regional interests in state and national discussions
• Promoting regional sustainability credentials to markets
From Industry Bodies
• Providing tools, resources, and education to support emission reduction
• Advocating for policy support and funding
• Establishing consistent reporting frameworks
• Promoting Western Australian sustainable wines to global markets
• Developing partnerships with research institutions and technology providers
From Government
• Supportive policy frameworks for renewable energy transition
• Targeted funding for sustainability initiatives
• Research and development support
• Recognition of industry efforts in climate action
• Promotion of Western Australian sustainable wines internationally
A Call to Action
This report establishes our starting point and charts the pathway for Western Australia to be recognised among the top ten sustainable wine regions globally by 2034. The region possesses significant natural advantages – maritime climate, biosecurity protection from geographic isolation, and pioneering producers already demonstrating world-class sustainable practices.
Achieving this vision requires building on existing strengths while implementing comprehensive sustainability initiatives across environmental, social, and economic dimensions. The journey toward becoming a global leader in sustainable wine production will demand dedication, innovation, and collaboration from every member of Western Australia’s wine community.
By committing to our ambitious targets and working together across the value chain, Western Australia can transform its natural advantages into a world-class sustainable wine region recognised for both quality and environmental leadership. With coordinated effort, we can ensure that Western Australia’s fine wine regions remain viable, dynamic, and responsible, while continuing to produce the renowned fine wines they are known for –now and for generations to come.
OUR ROADMAP TO 2029
WA WINE INDUSTRY SUSTAINABILITY STRATEGIC PLAN 2025-2029
VISION
The fine wine regions of Western Australia are celebrated the world over.
MISSION
Enhance industry sustainability to support growth and investment across the value chain, ensuring that Western Australia’s fine wine regions remain viable, dynamic, and responsible, while continuing to produce the renowned fine wines they are known for.
BUSINESS & WORKFORCE
Be an employer of choice by developing business resilience skills to help the industry adapt and thrive, while promoting relevant education, training, career pathways, and government programs
1. Regional Leadership Accelerator Program 2. Margaret River Industry Development Officer Program 3. Digital Business Transformation Program
4. Wine Industry Career Pathways Program
OBJECTIVES
To be recognised for our sustainability – by becoming international leaders in sustainable wine production by targeting:
• The highest share of growers and producers in Australia who are accredited sustainable producers to international standards
• Consumers recognise Western Australia as one of the top ten regions internationally for sustainable fine wine production.
STRATEGIES
RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT & ADOPTION BIOSECURITY LICENCE TO OPERATE
Identify and leverage R&D and new technologies, develop collaborative programs, and facilitate access to funded initiatives and adoption of sustainable research outputs to ensure the industry remains efficient and productive in a changing environment.
1. WA Wine Climate Resilience and Adaptation Project and Toolkit 2. Sustainable Wastewater Management Initiative 3. Sustainable Packaging Collaborative 4. Waste Management and Circular Economy Initiative
Strengthen biosecurity by enhancing the industry’s capacity to respond to incursions through planning, innovation, consumer education, and improving access to new genetic plant material through collaborating with government.
1. WA Wine Industry Comprehensive Biosecurity Program
2. Rootstock and New Varieties Adaptation Program
Enhance the industry’s Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) credentials to ensure its ongoing sustainability.
1. WA Wine Industry Governance and Compliance Program
2. WA Sustainable Winegrowing Australia certification fast-track
3. Carbon Neutral WA Wine Pathway
4. Enhancing Water Security & Biodiversity through Dam and Riparian Rehabilitation
5. Biodiversity Benchmarking & Natural Capital Pathways
6. WA Wine Sustainability Promotion and Communication Program
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The development of this inaugural Sustainability Report and the Western Australian Wine Industry Sustainability Strategy 2025-2029 reflects the collective commitment of an industry united in purpose. The Industry Reference Group’s dedicated guidance over nine months has been instrumental in establishing this strategic pathway forward, bringing together diverse perspectives from across all regions and production scales to create a truly representative vision for the industry’s future.
The initiatives outlined for the next five years represent an ambitious strategic commitment – evidence of what becomes possible when passionate individuals collaborate with shared intent. The partnerships forged with Wine Australia, the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, and the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation demonstrate how industry and government can work together to drive meaningful change that benefits both business and environment.
Connect With Us
Wines of Western Australia
E projectmanager@winewa.asn.au
M +61 447 587151
W winewa.asn.au
Follow Us: @EnjoyWAWine
Bibliography
Perhaps most encouraging has been connecting with the many people throughout Western Australia’s wine regions who are passionate about sustainability. Their dedication reveals that sustainability truly wears many coats – from ambitious carbonnegative operations to thoughtful water conservation measures, from innovative packaging solutions to careful biodiversity stewardship. Each contribution, whether a transformative industry initiative or a considered vineyard practice, strengthens the collective effort.
This collaborative foundation provides genuine optimism for Western Australia’s wine industry future. With established partnerships, clear strategic direction, and demonstrated industry commitment to sustainable practices, the pathway to international recognition as a leader in sustainable wine production is not just aspirational – it is achievable.
Eloise Jarvis Sustainability Program Manager Wines of Western Australia
This report was produced with support from:
Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development
1. Wine Australia. Safeguarding the future for Australian Wine, An Emissions Reduction Roadmap, September 2023. [cited 2025 Jun 30]. Available from: https://www.wineaustralia.com/getmedia/409219da-5883-41dba492-8534eb7cdc1f/WineAustralia_EmissionsReductionRoadmap.pdf
2. Australian Grape and Wine. One Grape and Sector Plan, Resetting the path to Vision 2050; 2024 [cited 2025 Jun 30] Available from: https://www.wineaustralia.com/getmedia/2a1987c8-04fb-4e5a-81fa-72b2cd8d0b0d/ OSP_Plan_A4_W.pdf
3. Milton A, Wong S, Gatt A. National Vineyard Scan 2019, Summary Report Number: CT-TR-2019-00037, Document Version 1.1. Adelaide (Australia): Gaia Agricultural Intelligence, Consilium Technology Pty Ltd; 2019.
4. Tille P, Stuart-Street A, Gardiner P. Geology, soils and climate of Western Australia’s wine regions. Bulletin 4925. Perth (Australia): Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, Western Australian Government; 2022.
5. Sustainable Winegrowing Australia. Search Members, State - Western Australia. [cited 2025 Jun 30]. Available from: https://member.sustainablewinegrowing.com.au/member_register
6. Australian Wine Research Institute. Sustainable Winegrowing Australia, Impact Report 2024. [cited 2025 Jun 30]. Available from: https://sustainablewinegrowing.com.au/2024-impact-report/
7. Australian Wine Research Institute. Sustainable Winegrowing Australia, Western Australia Data and Statistics Report. The Sustainable Winegrowing Australia membership data contained in this report was provided to Wines of Western Australia by AWRI in an aggregated and de-identified format and was accurate as of 30 June 2025.
