Sipping Sustainably: Zero Waste Vision

De Bortoli Wines has reinforced its commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable winemaking, with all its vineyard holdings across the Yarra Valley, Riverina, King Valley, Heathcote and Rutherglen – totalling 906 hectares – officially receiving certification from Sustainable Winegrowing Australia (SWA).

This certification recognises excellence in environmental, social and economic sustainability, with ongoing improvement verified through independent auditing. It reflects De Bortoli’s long-term vision to become a ‘Zero Waste Wine Company’ and highlights the winery’s leadership in responsible winemaking at a time when sustainability is increasingly important to consumers.

The company’s commitment to sustainability spans more than a decade. In 2010, De Bortoli’s Bilbul winery in the Riverina was the first to achieve certification to the Entwine standard, a precursor to today’s SWA program. Since then, additional vineyards have joined the certification journey – Riverina in 2021, Rutherglen in 2024 – culminating in all De Bortoli-owned vineyards meeting the rigorous requirements of the SWA certification. Managing Director, Darren De Bortoli, emphasised the company’s philosophy, stating, “For us, sustainability is about respect – respect for the land, for our winemaking traditions, and for future generations.”

This guiding principle is reflected in a wide range of initiatives across the business, including water management, biodiversity conservation, energy efficiency and waste reduction. This achievement cements De Bortoli Wines’ position as an industry leader in sustainability, combining a deep respect for tradition with a forward-thinking approach to environmental responsibility.

www.debortoli.com.au