Celebrating the wineries shaping a more sustainable future

 

The International Cool Climate Wine Show’s Excellence in Environmental Sustainability Award (EESA) returns in 2026 to recognise Australian wineries leading the way in environmental stewardship, innovation, and sustainable wine production.

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Now in its second year, the award celebrates producers who are not only crafting exceptional cool climate wines but actively investing in practices that create long-term positive impact, from vineyard management and energy efficiency through to packaging, waste reduction, and future-focused innovation.

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Supported by AGL, the EESA shines a spotlight on wineries proving that sustainability and excellence can go hand in hand.

 

More Than Recognition

 

A prize designed to amplify your sustainability story.

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In 2026, the EESA winner will receive a tailored marketing and creative package designed to help communicate their sustainability journey in a meaningful, strategic, and authentic way.

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Prize Inclusions

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• A personalised EESA Trophy

• Two tickets to the ICCWS Awards Dinner at the Sofitel Melbourne to receive the award in person

• A Bespoke Creative Content Package developed in consultation with the winning winery

 

Total Prize Value: $5,000

 

Your Sustainability Story, Your Way.

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The Creative Content Package has been designed to transform your sustainability initiatives into high-quality marketing assets that can be used across your website, social media, trade communications, PR, and promotional activity.

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Creative Content Package includes:

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• A professional short-form video content showcasing your sustainability practices

• A curated gallery of photos captured at the ICCWS Awards Dinner

• A professionally written editorial feature for publication within leading wine industry media

• Unlimited usage licence across all supplied content assets

 

From soil to bottle, this package is designed to help wineries tell the story behind their environmental commitment in a way that resonates with consumers, trade, and industry alike.

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Please note: Content deliverables will be tailored in consultation with the award recipient. Inclusions may vary depending on location and logistics; however, the overall prize value will remain consistent.

 

Why Enter?

The EESA is an opportunity to:

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• Gain national recognition for your sustainability efforts

• Position your winery as a leader in environmental innovation

• Build credibility with consumers, trade, and industry peers

• Showcase measurable action and real-world impact

• Receive professionally developed marketing assets with long-term value

 

Whether you’re implementing renewable energy systems, improving soil health, reducing emissions, innovating packaging, or driving operational change, we want to hear your story.

 

Eligibility

 

Entry to the Excellence in Environmental Sustainability Award is free; however, applicants must also be entrants in the 2026 AGL International Cool Climate Wine Show.

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Eligibility:

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• Australian wineries located within cool climate wine regions

• Wine producers of all sizes

• Wineries with implemented sustainability initiatives demonstrating measurable outcomes

 

Application Criteria

Applicants must demonstrate:

 

Quantifiable Improvements
Evidence of sustainability initiatives already in place, supported by measurable outcomes and results.

 

Clear Environmental Impact
A direct connection between implemented practices and environmental improvement.

 

Visible Progress
Initiatives must be active and operational (not future plans) demonstrating ongoing commitment and continuous improvement.

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Commitment to Sustainable Practices
Participation in recognised sustainability programs or certifications, such as:

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• Sustainable Winegrowing Australia

• Tasmania Wine (VinØ)

• Other recognised environmental accreditation programs

 

Assessment Criteria

 

Applications will be evaluated across five key areas:

 

1. Sustainable Farming Practices (20%)
Eco-friendly farming techniques, renewable energy adoption, water conservation, biodiversity, and soil health initiatives.

 

2. Waste Reduction & Recycling (20%)
Waste minimisation strategies, recycling initiatives, and sustainable packaging solutions.

 

3. Carbon Footprint Reduction (20%)
Efforts to reduce emissions through energy-efficient technologies, transport solutions, and carbon reduction initiatives.

 

4. Sustainability Innovation (20%)
Innovative approaches improving sustainability outcomes across winery operations.

 

5. Commitment to Measurable Sustainability Practices (20%)
Demonstrated engagement with recognised sustainability programs, reporting frameworks, or certifications.

 

Judged by Industry Experts

 

Entries are assessed by a highly respected panel of wine and sustainability professionals, ensuring the award recognises genuine innovation, measurable impact, and leadership within the Australian wine industry.

 

Find out more about the ICCWS Judging Panel

 

Judging Process

 

Applications will be independently assessed by an expert judging panel through a multi-stage review process:

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1. Initial Screening
   Applications assessed for eligibility and completeness.

2. Panel Review
   Entries scored against the sustainability criteria.

3. Interviews & Site Discussions
   Shortlisted wineries may be invited to participate in online and/or site interviews.

4. Final Deliberation
   Judges determine finalists and overall winner based on impact, innovation, and measurable sustainability outcomes.

5. Award Presentation
   The winner will be announced at the ICCWS Awards Dinner and featured through industry media coverage.

 

Key Dates

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• Applications Open: Monday 1 June 2026

• Applications Close: 5:00pm, Monday 20 July 2026

• Shortlist Announced: End of August 2026

• Award Presentation: Friday 18 September 2026 at the ICCWS Awards Dinner

 

Apply Now

 

Are you helping shape the future of sustainable winemaking in Australia?

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We invite wineries across Australia’s cool climate regions to share their sustainability journey and be recognised for the impact they are making within the industry.

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Download the application form and submit your completed entry via email to:
vp@internationalcoolclimatewineshow.com