For winemakers Christobelle and Howard Anderson, alongside vineyard manager Craig, adopting sustainable practices was never a marketing gimmick—it was simply how they operated.
When asked about their motivation to join Sustainable Winegrowing Australia, Christobelle admits that formal certification brought a familiar hurdle:
“We were doing most things required already and just needed to document them. More paperwork is never a team favourite, but after a few times of saying ‘oh, I have that information because of the sustainability thing’ it became easier!”
That documentation revealed remarkable milestones in resource conservation and future-proofing their estate.
Quality. Low input. Family.
Planning a visit along the Rutherglen Regional Tasting Trail? A stop at Anderson Winery guarantees a personal, authentic tasting experience.
There is no need for an appointment (unless travelling with a large group). When you pull up to the cellar door, your tasting will be hosted directly by the people who craft the wine—either winemakers Howard and Christobelle, or vineyard manager Craig.
Local Gem Tip: Before or after your tasting, Christobelle recommends taking a short drive to nearby Howlong to visit 3 Pigs Trattoria for the best Sicilian-style pizza and pasta in the area.
Anderson Winery’s sustainability superpower lies in Innovation & Future-Proofing.
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Harnessing the Sun: Following a solar panel installation, the winery added a battery storage system in November 2025. The team estimates that between two-thirds and three-quarters of their total electricity usage is now generated directly on-site by solar power. As an added bonus, the battery keeps essential operations running smoothly even during local grid outages.
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A “Ridiculously Low” Water Footprint: Through diligent rainwater conservation, Anderson Winery’s water usage measures less than 15% of the national average used by other small wineries (calculated in litres of water used per litre of wine produced).
The Hidden Details: Gentler Winemaking & Resident Frogs
True environmental stewardship shows up in the quiet, everyday choices in the cellar.
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Gentler Cleaning Choices: Instead of harsh caustic soda commonly used across the industry, Anderson Winery cleans their cellar equipment with much gentler soda ash (washing soda), keeping harsh chemical inputs to a absolute minimum.
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Nature’s Stamp of Approval: If you want proof of a chemical-light ecosystem, look no further than the locals. Keep an eye out for friendly native frogs around the winery’s wastewater pit and cellar door facilities!
