At Kies Family Wines, our commitment to sustainability runs as deep as our roots in the Barossa Valley. As a sixth-generation family-owned winery and vineyard, we recognise that the choices we make today shape the future — not only for our land and our wines, but for the generations who will come after us.
For us, sustainability isn’t a checklist. It’s a mindset. A responsibility. And above all, a promise — to our community, our environment, and every person who shares a glass of our wine.
Nationally Recognised Sustainability Standards
We are proud to be certified under both the Freshcare Australian Wine Industry Standards of Sustainable Practice:
- AWISSP-WIN – Winery Standard
- AWISSP-VIT – Viticulture Standard
These accreditations reflect a rigorous, science-based framework covering environmental, social, and economic sustainability. They are the national benchmarks for the Australian wine industry and a formal recognition of our commitment to sustainable excellence in both the vineyard and the winery.
Caring for the Land
Our vineyard is more than just rows of vines — it's a living, breathing ecosystem. We're dedicated to enhancing its natural resilience, improving soil health, and reducing our impact on the environment.
Some of the steps we've taken include:
- Eliminating synthetic herbicides and harsh chemicals, protecting soil biology and water quality
- Composting grape marc (leftover skins, seeds and stalks after winemaking) and returning it to the vineyard to enrich the soil
- Monitoring water usage closely to ensure sustainable irrigation practices
- Installing wildlife corridors and nesting boxes, recognising that our vines share their home with many native species
As of 2019, we also implemented solar energy at the winery to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and lower our carbon footprint.
Responsible Winemaking
In the winery, we follow best practices for resource efficiency and waste reduction.
- All wastewater is recycled for reuse on our property
- Solar panels help power our operations. Watch the video now...
- Cleaning agents and chemicals are carefully selected for low environmental impact
- Packaging choices are made with recyclability and minimal waste in mind
Sustainability in winemaking is about more than just reducing harm — it’s about actively improving how we operate. Every step in our process is designed to be thoughtful, efficient, and environmentally sound, without compromising the quality and character of our wines.
People and Community
Sustainability also means investing in people. Kies Family Wines is a proudly local employer, and we’re committed to creating a safe, inclusive, and empowering workplace. Our team receives training and support to ensure a positive work environment that champions wellbeing and opportunity.
Our community is the foundation of everything we do. We support local suppliers and services wherever possible, keeping the Barossa economy strong and vibrant. We also proudly contribute to local events, initiatives, and wildlife rescue efforts, including the involvement of our vineyard team in caring for injured native animals.
A Legacy for the Future
As custodians of this land, we feel a deep sense of responsibility to leave it better than we found it. Sustainability is not a marketing slogan at Kies Family Wines — it’s the philosophy that guides every decision we make.
We believe that by farming thoughtfully, producing wine responsibly, and caring for our community, we can continue crafting wines of integrity — wines that reflect the beauty of the Barossa and the values of the people who make them.
So the next time you raise a glass of Kies wine, know that it’s not just a celebration of flavour — it’s a toast to a better future.
Sustainably made, family grown, proudly Barossan.