Ross Hill Wines Named Sustainability Champion at ICCWS 2025
- ICCWS
- 4 days ago
- 2 min read
Sustainability isn’t just a buzzword for Ross Hill Wines — it’s a way of life. This family-owned winery in Orange, NSW, has been blazing a trail for environmentally responsible winemaking for over a decade, and their efforts have just been recognised in a big way.
At the 2025 International Cool Climate Wine Show (ICCWS), Ross Hill Wines was named the inaugural winner of the Excellence in Environmental Sustainability Award. It’s the first award of its kind at an Australian wine show, and one that celebrates the vital connection between the environment and the quality of wine in the glass.
A Family Commitment to the Future
As Australia’s first certified carbon neutral winery back in 2014, Ross Hill has long set the benchmark for sustainable practices. For second-generation owners James and Chrissy Robson, sustainability is woven into every part of the vineyard and winery — from solar power and closed-loop composting to regenerative farming techniques.
“The win means a lot,” says James Robson. “It’s vital the wine industry takes sustainability seriously, because wine quality is inseparable from the health of the environment.”
The Robsons also highlight their pride in the broader Orange region, which is rapidly becoming a leader in carbon neutrality, organic viticulture, and regenerative farming.
Standing Out from the Crowd
The ICCWS judging panel — which included leaders in sustainability and wine such as AGL’s Brendan Weinert, Tahbilk’s Hayley Purbrick, wine journalist Jeni Port, and consultant Peter Dobney — praised Ross Hill for its holistic approach.
They noted the winery’s commitment to practices such as cover crops and sheep grazing (reducing chemical use and tractor emissions), pesticide-free farming, and composting systems that reduce waste while nourishing the vineyard.
Their verdict? Ross Hill Wines is “a standout in sustainable winemaking.”
Raising the Bar for the Industry
The ICCWS developed the Excellence in Environmental Sustainability Award with the support of major sponsor AGL, to recognise wineries making measurable progress in environmental stewardship while inspiring the wider industry.
For James Robson, this recognition is a rallying call: “There needs to be a complete overview of how the wine industry and government approach sustainability. This isn’t just about protecting the environment — it’s also about meeting the expectations of increasingly environmentally conscious consumers.”
The ICCWS is committed to continuing the award in 2026 and beyond, with exciting new benefits planned for future winners.
Ross Hill Wines’ achievement is more than just a trophy win — it’s a signal of the direction the wine industry must take. A champion of change, they’re proving that great wine and environmental care can (and must) go hand in hand.
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