Ross Hill Wines
Ross Hill Wines is a family business owned by two generations of the Robson family. Ross Hill produces quality, wild yeast fermented, sustainable wines from the cool climate wine region of Orange, NSW. We are proud to be Australia's first Carbon Neutral certified winery.
Planted over 20 years ago, the original Ross Hill 12 hectare vineyard is at an elevation ranging from 750 to 850 metres above sea level. It is situated on the gentle, north facing slopes of Griffin Road. A further 5 hectares of vine were planted over a decade later in the fertile, volcanic basalt soil not far from the foot of Mt Canobolas on Wallace Lane. With an altitude of 1,018 metres above sea level, this vineyard is one of the highest and coolest in Australia.
"It makes commercial and financial sense, with our power and lighting costs greatly reduced."
Type of certification
Organisation and Product.
How long have you been certified carbon neutral?
The Ross Hill Wine Group met its main environmental sustainability goal - to become a carbon neutral organisation - in early 2016, following a dedicated six-year-long program. Ross Hill Wines was the first winery certified carbon neutral, as are the spectacular wines it produces.
Why are you carbon neutral?
The Robson family, who own Ross Hill, are committed to a philosophy of 'leaving our land better than when we found it'. It makes commercial and financial sense, with our power and lighting costs greatly reduced. Ross Hill has long prided itself on a solid environmental policy and has carefully approached all aspects of its wine production process by adopting sustainable principles - from the vineyard to the hands-on winemaking procedures practiced.
What are the benefits of your carbon neutral certification?
The first benefit of our carbon neutral certification was the reduction in our electricity costs. New customers, who wish to purchase carbon neutral wine, have also been steadily increasing since we first became certified in 2016.
What offset projects do you support?
Grid-connected wind power projects.
How can the community support you?
Ross Hill Wines are importantly leading the way by not only having the wine business itself certified, but by also having the actual wine they produce as certified carbon neutral. So, when you're enjoying a sublime glass of Ross Hill wine, you are actually doing your bit for the environment. Now that's got to leave a good taste in your mouth!
What else are you doing to reduce emissions?
Reducing tractor hours by 40%, decreasing water usage by 75%, changing electric motors to variable speed, moving to pesticide-free production, using low energy lights, mulching cover crops between vineyard rows prior to winter to reduce irrigation needs, and implementing a waste recycling program.
What has been the impact of your action?
Significant energy savings - a 72% reduction.
What advice would you give to a business considering certification?
As a business, it is essential to keep adequate records so you can retrieve the information required to determine your carbon emissions. Also, find the right professional to help with your certification.