Aussie winery marks World Sustainability Day

This World Sustainability Day (29 October), Oxford Landing is celebrating its purpose-driven wine collections, Regenerate and One-to-One, available in Australia and soon in global markets.

Earlier this year, Hill-Smith Family Estates, the parent company of Oxford Landing, became Australia’s first Gold Member of the International Wineries for Climate Action (IWCA).

This recognition reinforces the group’s leadership in sustainable winemaking, with Oxford Landing standing as one of its flagship examples — doubling down on its science-backed commitment to carbon reduction across the vine to bottle process and calling on the industry to re-evaluate centuries-old practices in the face of climate change.

“My hope for the industry is simple — that there is a future for it. In a changing climate, with 1.7 billion more people expected on the planet by 2050, we all need to do our part to reach net zero and ensure there’s still a place for vineyards and winemaking in the decades ahead,” said Louisa Rose, Head of Sustainability at Hill-Smith Family Estates. “World Sustainability Day is an opportunity for businesses like Oxford Landing to celebrate and communicate what we do 365 days a year — not just on one day.”

To date, Oxford Landing’s measurable impact includes:

• Revegetation: Over 215,000 native trees and shrubs have been planted since 2007, plus 30,000 m² of native bushland through a partnership with Greenfleet.
• Renewable energy: 20% of operations are now powered by renewable sources, with ongoing investment in energy efficiency.
• Water stewardship: 100% of the winery’s wastewater is recycled or repurposed for drought-tolerant vines across the Hill-Smith Family Estates vineyards.
• Lightweight bottles: New 360–363 g bottles are made with close to 50% recycled content, reducing carbon emissions through production and shipping by approximately 254 tonnes annually.
• Traceability: Oxford Landing wines are made and bottled in South Australia, ensuring authenticity and quality.
• Vegan friendly: All wines are made without animal products.
• Accreditation: In addition to being Australia’s first IWCA Gold Member, Hill-Smith Family Estates is accredited with Sustainable Winegrowing Australia.
   

Oxford Landing’s Regenerate and One-to-One collections make sustainability more accessible and enjoyable, without compromising on quality and taste.

The Regenerate collection, consisting of Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon, embodies the winery’s sustainability ethos. Every bottle bears the Sustainable Winegrowing Certification and Riverland Geographical Indication (GI).

Meanwhile, the One-to-One collection, consisting of Cuvée, Shiraz, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, takes a direct-action approach: for every six-pack enjoyed, one square metre of native bushland is planted through Greenfleet, restoring habitats and enriching biodiversity.

To date, the initiative has supported over 30,000 m² of regeneration, protected for 100 years.

Oxford Landing’s approach continues to earn recognition in 2025, including the South Australian Wine Industry Association (SAWIA) Environment Excellence Award in the large business category; Coles Sustainability Partner of the Year; and Sustainable Wine Growing Australia/Riverland Wine Trophy for Best Sustainable Wine at the Riverland Wine Show.

Oxford Landing is calling on the global wine community to reflect, reimagine and take action beyond World Sustainability Day — ensuring the land and the industry thrive for generations to come.

Image caption: Oxford Landing River. Image: Supplied.