Situated in the cool-climate region of Orange, New South Wales, Ross Hill Wines defines its ethos through three powerful words: Grounded, Innovative, and Planet-minded. As a family-owned winery that has been part of the local community since 1994, their commitment to the environment stems from a fundamental belief that great wine begins with healthy soil, thriving vineyards, and looking after the place they call home. Pursuing Sustainable Winegrowing Australia certification was a lightbulb moment for the team, allowing them to formally measure their progress, keep improving, and hold themselves accountable.
Ross Hill boasts an incredible environmental achievement that sets them apart in the Australian wine landscape. In 2014, they became Australia’s first certified carbon-neutral winery. Their 2024 vintage proudly marked a full decade of independently certified carbon neutral winemaking, a testament to their long-term dedication to reducing their environmental footprint.
The estate’s designated sustainability superpower is Biodiversity & The Land. A major part of this commitment involves a “hidden story” that most consumers never see: managing harvest waste. Rather than sending approximately 150 tonnes of skins, seeds, and stems to landfill after vintage, the team composts this grape marc and returns the organic matter directly to the land. This practice builds healthier soils and effectively closes the agricultural loop in the vineyard.
This thriving ecosystem is shared with a highly entertaining mix of wildlife. Kangaroos, ducks, sheep, cows, cockatoos, kookaburras, and echidnas make regular appearances, alongside the resident winery dogs who are generally convinced the entire property belongs to them. To give nature a further helping hand, the team has installed microbat boxes; these unusual resident visitors play a crucial role in naturally keeping insect populations in balance across the vines.
For wine lovers exploring the Orange region, the Ross Hill physical cellar door offers an immersive visitor experience. Guests can book the Behind the Scenes Winery Tour, which provides a closer look at the winemaking process and concludes with a guided tasting to showcase what makes Orange’s cool-climate wines so distinctive. Private and bespoke experiences are also available by arrangement, and visitors can contact the team at cellardoor@rosshillwines.com.au or 02 6365 3223 to tailor their visit.
The Ross Hill team loves to encourage visitors to slow down and explore the local area. Their top recommendation is the Lakeside Kiosk at Lake Canobolas. Run by the team behind Anything Grows, it is the perfect spot for great food, excellent coffee, and local wines on pour—including Ross Hill. Tucked conveniently along the Pinnacle Wine Trail, it is an ideal place to grab a takeaway or a picnic basket before enjoying a swim, a walk around the lake, or a scenic hike.
