Duxton Vineyards has been certified by Freshcare’s Australian Wine Industry Standard of Sustainable Practice in both Viticulture and Winery, making it the largest certified sustainable vineyard holder in Australia.
The Freshcare certification is modelled on global best practices, aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, and means that Duxton Vineyards may now feature the Sustainable Winegrowing Australia trust mark on its wine labels, vineyard fences and in its communications.
Duxton Vineyards’ General Manager, Wayne Ellis said, “It is the benchmark in which we as Australian wine and grape producers can demonstrate our commitment to sustainability in the global wine marketplace.
“Being one of the largest vineyard holders in Australia- producing about 5 per cent of the nation’s total grape production – meant it is doubly important that we achieve the trust mark to help fellow Australians, as well as people all over the globe, connect with our sense of place. I believe our sustainability message is at the heart of that.”
Mr Ellis said the certification endorses the environmental, social, and economic management and operations of the vineyards and winery, including:
- effectively managing and optimising efficiencies around the consumption of resources, including water, electricity, gas and fuel
- setting environmental objectives and targets aligned with the “Reduce – Remove – Reuse” model to drive sustainable production
- improving staff awareness around the environmental management systems and sustainable business practices and
- a strong push to reduce harsh and high carbon intensity chemical use, restore soil microbiome and overall farm biodiversity to a more natural state.
Duxton Vineyards incorporates more than 2,400ha of wine grapes in the Mildura and Sunraysia district, as well as the Duxton 80,000 tonne winery (previously Stanley winery).
Mr Ellis’ background is in operational and supply chain management with experience spanning 25 years. He previously worked at Accolade Wines where he oversaw supply chain and operations across Australia and New Zealand.
