Nepenthe Winery have a cause to celebrate after becoming the second winery in the Adelaide Hills to achieve a sustainability B Corp certification. Currently, only three wine companies in Australia hold this prestigious certification, with Nepenthe in Balhannah and Unico Zelo in Gumeracha among them.
James Evers, winemaker at Nepenthe, expressed immense pride in obtaining B Corp certification, citing the company’s sustainable practices and commitment to inclusivity.
“The certification is a reflection of the sustainable, inclusive, and industry-leading practices that are at the heart of our company. By the end of 2024 we will be powered by 100% renewable energy, plus, we have a responsible enjoyment partnership with DrinkWise, a rewarding employee benefits program, increase in female leadership and an inclusive achievement based team culture,” James said.
“This achievement demonstrates the work we have done, and continue to do, with our longstanding growers and our Adelaide Hills vineyards to improve soil, water use, and biodiversity, and a commitment to source from Sustainable Winegrowing Australia certified vineyards.”
Nepenthe prioritise enhancing the health of the Adelaide Hills vineyards by focusing on soil improvement, efficient water use, and fostering biodiversity. The initiative aims to boost vineyard well-being while reducing the wineries carbon footprint. Additionally, the team are striving to adopt 100% recyclable packaging with the highest possible level of recycled content across all components, ensuring ease of curbside recycling.
Starting from vintage 24, all Nepenthe’s wine will be sourced from vineyards certified by Sustainable Winegrowing Australia, further solidifying their commitment to sustainability.
B Corp, or Benefit for All Corporation, seeks to foster a global economic system where for-profit businesses contribute to the well-being of people, communities, and the planet. Certification involves a rigorous assessment against strict impact criteria.
Alex Trescowthick, President of the Adelaide Hills Wine Region, emphasised the region’s commitment to sustainability, noting a significant increase in the number of members gaining Sustainable Wine-growing Australia certification in 2023.
“Building sustainability into our region’s culture is one of our strategic objectives. In 2023 we saw three-fold growth in the number of Adelaide Hills’ members gaining Sustainable Winegrowing Australia certification,” he said.
“Like Sustainable Winegrowing Australia, B Corp standards go beyond the environment to include social and community responsibility. We acknowledge Unico Zelo who has been an innovator in this space, having been a B Corp for four years. We now congratulate the team at Nepenthe on their newly achieved status. It’s exciting to see another certified B Corp in the Adelaide Hills wine region.”
Nepenthe are a staple amongst the hills, established as a business since 1994 with the goal to become one of the region’s benchmark wineries known for producing premium wines that showcase what South Australia has to offer. They specialise in cool climate, fruit driven wines known for their elegant aromatics and textural palates.
Just last year the popular vineyard completed the redevelopment of their Balhannah-based cellar door, which boasts floor to ceiling windows, an expansive deck, and a Barrel Room that opens up directly to the lawn to ensure you have a view wherever you’re seated. The cellar door is designed with sustainability in mind, featuring onsite solar panels, electric car charging stations, and the use of Boral Envirocrete® in construction. Furthermore, Nepenthe prioritize supporting local artisans and utilising locally sourced materials such as Adelaide Hills hardwood for the deck and Atlas cedar for interior design.
Nepenthe
Where: 93 Jones Road, Balhannah, SA 5242
When: Open daily 10am to 5pm
Contact: 8398 8899
For more information, click here.
More News
