At Brokenwood Wines in New South Wales, the guiding philosophy is as vibrant as it is straightforward: “Make great wine and have fun!”. Yet beneath this jovial motto lies a serious, multifaceted commitment to environmental stewardship and community building. For the Brokenwood team, the journey toward Sustainable Winegrowing Australia certification was driven by the tangible results they witnessed firsthand in their own operations.
The winery’s sustainability journey initially sparked from an energy efficiency grant used to upgrade their refrigeration plant, a system that previously accounted for approximately 70% of the winery’s total energy use. This critical infrastructure upgrade not only reduced the estate’s greenhouse gas emissions but also generated significant cost savings for the business. Concurrently, the viticulture team noticed that adopting sustainable land management practices was actively improving both vine health and fruit quality in the vineyard.
Make great wine and have fun!
Behind the scenes, Brokenwood is continuously looking for ways to improve waste management and packaging sustainability. One of their most significant environmental wins has been transitioning approximately 70% of their total wine production into lightweight bottles, drastically reducing the carbon footprint of their shipping operations. In addition to these packaging upgrades, they have supplemented their winery water usage by capturing and utilising rainwater directly from the roofs of their winery sheds.
Alongside their environmental efforts, Brokenwood boasts a second superpower: “Legacy & Community”. The business serves as a pillar of the local area, actively supporting the region through its on-site restaurant, sponsorships, and local suppliers. Crucially, they invest heavily in their own people. Brokenwood has established solid employment pathways and succession plans, allowing staff members who began in junior roles to advance into key management positions and drive the business’s authority and future.
For wine lovers exploring the Hunter Valley Regional Tasting Trail, the Brokenwood physical cellar door is a premier destination. Guests can book the exclusive “Journey” tasting, which includes a comprehensive tour of the winery followed by a tasting of their flagship wines, perfectly matched with a curated food pairing.
If you are an early riser looking to fully appreciate the region before your tasting, the Brokenwood team has a spectacular local recommendation. They suggest heading to The Rock on Pokolbin Mountain. According to the team, it is an unbeatable viewpoint for watching the sunrise and taking in the breathtaking landscape of the Hunter Valley vineyards.
