10 Sep Sustainable Winery Orange NSW I Ross Hill Wines Wins Excellence in Environmental Sustainability

Ross Hill Wines Wins Excellence in Environmental Sustainability at the 2025 International Cool Climate Wine Show

A Milestone for Sustainable Wine in Australia

At Ross Hill Wines, sustainability is not just a philosophy — it is part of who we are. In 2014, we became Australia’s first certified carbon neutral winery, and over the past decade we have worked tirelessly to ensure that every bottle reflects a deep respect for the land.

In 2025, our commitment was recognised on the international stage when we were named the inaugural winner of the Excellence in Environmental Sustainability Award at the International Cool Climate Wine Show (ICCWS).

This is the very first year the award has been offered, making it a truly historic achievement for both Ross Hill Wines and the broader Orange wine region.

Why This Award Matters

The International Cool Climate Wine Show is one of the world’s leading platforms for celebrating wines from cooler climates, which are prized for their elegance, balance and structure.

By introducing the Excellence in Environmental Sustainability Award, the ICCWS has shone a spotlight on the critical role wineries play in protecting the environment while producing exceptional wines. For us, winning this inaugural award is more than recognition — it is validation of years of commitment to sustainable farming, winemaking, and innovation.

Our Journey to Carbon Neutral Wine

Our approach to sustainability at Ross Hill includes:

Carbon Neutral Certification: Achieved in 2014, making us the first winery in Australia to do so under the government’s NCOS program.

Regenerative Vineyard Practices: Improving soil health, closing the loop, biodiversity, and resilience in our vineyards.

Low-Input Winemaking: Minimising energy and water use across production.

Lightweight Bottles & Packaging: Reducing emissions in distribution.

Renewable Energy: Harnessing solar power to help fuel our operations.

Each of these practices means that when you enjoy a glass of Ross Hill wine, you are also supporting a more sustainable future for the planet.

Orange NSW – A Region That Cares

The award also highlights the growing recognition of Orange NSW as a leading wine region for both quality and sustainability. Our high-altitude vineyards produce wines of elegance and freshness, while our community of growers and winemakers are increasingly focused on eco-conscious practices including organic wines and sustainable winemaking.

If you are planning a trip to Orange, we invite you to explore more than just the wine. From sustainable food producers to pristine natural landscapes, the region is full of experiences that showcase the beauty of caring for the land.

Visit Ross Hill Wines

Sustainability is something you can taste, see, and experience at Ross Hill Wines. When you visit our cellar door in Orange, open daily from 10:30 am to 3:30 pm, you can learn more about our carbon neutral journey while enjoying tastings of our Family and Pinnacle Series wines.

To dive deeper into our philosophy on sustainable winemaking, join the daily 10 am winery tour, or book a class at our Barrel & Larder Cooking School, where the focus on seasonal, local produce aligns perfectly with our eco-driven approach.

Looking Ahead

Winning the inaugural Excellence in Environmental Sustainability Award at the 2025 ICCWS is both an honour and a responsibility. It inspires us to continue leading the way in sustainable winemaking and to share our story with every guest, every club member, and every bottle we produce.

Here’s to wines that are as good for the planet as they are in your glass.

Book your tasting today: Visit Ross Hill Wines

More on this topic: Sustainability at Ross Hill Wines: From Vine to Bottle, a Commitment to the Future