Meet the McLaren Vale winery doing its bit for the planet

McLaren Vale-based winery Hither & Yon has become South Australia’s first carbon neutral certified wine brand, and just the third wine brand across Australia.

They join Ross Hill Wines in Orange and Keith Tulloch Wines in the Hunter Valley in achieving the milestone, which is certified by the Australian Government initiative Climate Active. 

As of this month, both Hither & Yon’s product range, and business operations have met the requirements of the Climate Active Carbon Neutral Standard for Organisation and Product, leading voluntary action on climate change and making an important contribution towards a low-carbon future.

“We are so proud to announce our carbon neutral certification,” says Hither & Yon Director, Malcolm Leask,

“Taking care of our soil and people comes first for us, and our vision for Hither & Yon has always been to make better wines with a lighter footprint.” 

Established in 2011 by brothers Richard and Malcolm Leask, Hither & Yon’s carbon neutral certification comes at the start of the brand’s 10th year. 

“Our family has been growing in McLaren Vale since 1980, and when Hither & Yon was born, we embarked on a land improvement program, from sustainable viticulture, to regenerative agriculture, and now carbon neutral” Richard said. 

With climate change in mind, the team are also are practicing biodiversity management on the land, reestablishing native corridors, and are well known for new grape variety establishment.

“Carbon neutral expresses our tenet of being winegrowers who care for our environment and community first," Richard added.

Hither & Yon’s home vineyards are in the foothills of McLaren Vale, and their boutique cellar door is situated in the village of Willunga.