Casella Family Brands has achieved a significant milestone in its sustainability journey, earning Sustainable Winegrowing Australia certification across its wineries, vineyards and grape supply.
The certification will commence from the 2025 vintage release and captures 1 in 10 of the grapes harvested in Australia or 16% of total Australian wine exports.
“After investing in installing our large-scale solar farm last year, we’ve focused on achieving Sustainable Winegrowing Australia certification across our wineries and grower base,” explains Joey Sergi, Sustainability Manager at Casella Family Brands. “Consumers are increasingly choosing brands that prioritise sustainability, and with Sustainable Winegrowing Australia certification, they can trust our wines are produced with environmental care.”
A structured approach to sustainability
The Sustainable Winegrowing Australia program is built on the globally recognised ISO 14001 standard, which provides a comprehensive framework for environmental management. It addresses critical areas such as biosecurity, land and soil management, water use, biodiversity, waste and energy efficiency. The certification process involves independent audits, ensuring transparency and accountability.
For Casella Family Brands, the certification formalises existing operations and sets a roadmap for continuous improvement. Nic Schirripa, Grower Services Manager and Senior Winemaker, explained, “This program helps us identify risk areas and uncover opportunities for improvement. It also provides a structured framework to document and advance our sustainability practices.”
The program doesn’t just focus on environmental impact – it also encompasses broader business management processes, including employee management, supply chain collaboration and sustainability action planning. This holistic approach ensures that certified wineries are not only reducing their environmental footprint but are also building a more resilient and responsible business.
Collaboration and innovation lead the way
Casella Family Brands’ journey toward certification wouldn’t have been possible without the dedication of its grower network and staff. Viticulturist and winemaker at Peter Lehmann Wines, Jade Rogge, noted, “We recognise the time and investment in the training and auditing process, but it’s a crucial step forward for all our brands. At its core, the program is about adopting innovative, sustainable practices to safeguard the land we depend on and ensure its health and productivity for generations to come.”
The certification also reflects a broader momentum within the Australian wine industry. Dr. Mardi Longbottom, General Manager Industry Development and Support at the Australian Wine Research Institute manages the technical aspects of Sustainable Winegrowing Australia. “By purchasing wines from a certified producer, consumers can feel confident they’re supporting growers and winemakers who are shaping the Australian wine community for good,” she said of the growing commitment to sustainability.
Learn more about Casella Family Brands’ approach to corporate social responsibility or the Sustainable Winegrowing Australia certification.