Now one of the largest producers in the region, Sidewood Estate embodies a winemaking and culinary ethos rooted in artistry and authenticity – and sustainability.
Having recently earned the Sustainable Winegrowing Australia Accreditation for each vineyard and winery, it’s clear that sustainability is high on the agenda at Sidewood Estate. Sustainable Winegrowing Australia is Australia’s national program for grapegrowers and winemakers to demonstrate and continuously improve their sustainability in the vineyard and winery through the environmental, social and economic aspects of their business.
Sidewood Estate’s commitment to sustainable practices across the business also earned them the 2025 Best Of Wine Tourism Award for sustainable wine tourism practices. The judges noted their environmentally responsible practices were complemented by inclusive experiences and community collaboration, reflecting a love of the craft and the Adelaide Hills region.
Some of the ways that Sidewood Estate care for their environment include:
- Sheep – Running sheep through the vineyard over the autumn/winter maintains pasture, removes hard-to-kill weeds, and returns organic fertiliser back to the vineyard. This also reduces chemical input, machinery operations and labour to manage these areas over the winter months.
- Irrigation practices – Advanced monitoring and timing systems ensure water savings where it’s most needed.
- Permanent pastures – Maintaining permanent pastures for increased insect biodiversity.
- Chemical selection – Continually changing products and using softer products that have minimal or no effect on the environment.
- Canopy management – Mulching back into the vineyard after pruning.
- Fertiliser selection – Considering organic/natural products versus synthetics and manufactured products.
Read more about Sidewood Estate’s sustainable wine tourism practices.
Photo credit: Supplied by Sidewood Estate