Tasmania’s wine sector has celebrated its leading sustainability performers with the release of the 2025 Environmental Sustainability Report and the announcement of the VinØ Program Awards at last week’s Tassie Wine Stars event.
Pooley Wines, based in the Coal River Valley, was named the 2025 VinØ Program Champion, while Eversley Vines in the Tamar Valley received the 2025 VinØ Program’s Most Improved Producer award.
Wine Tasmania’s Viticulture & Winemaking Officer, Paul Smart, said the tailored and voluntary VinØ (‘vin zero’) Program continues to support Tasmanian producers to create premium wine with minimal environmental impact.
“Tasmania launched its VinØ Program in 2015, and we have continued to see improved sustainability practices across participating wine businesses over the past decade as a result,” he said.
“The VinØ Program is a comprehensive but easy-to-use program, which helps wine businesses of all sizes move towards best practice. This year sees the highest aggregated score of the VinØ Program to date, reflecting the continuing improvement of participating wine businesses.
“The VinØ Program is tailored for Tasmanian wine businesses and aligns with our customer expectations around sustainability practices. It is reviewed and updated annually, with the 2026 program including new Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) metrics aligned to the Australian Agricultural Sustainability Framework.”
For Pooley Wines, it marked a fourth time being named VinØ Champion, recognition of the winery’s long-term commitment to sustainable vineyard management.
Viticulturalist Steve Ferguson, said: “Our results at Pooley Wines reflect the long term dedication of the owners, John and Libby Pooley, to be one of the most sustainable wine producers in Tasmania.
“The support of General Manager, Tristan Jones, and the rest of the Pooley team have greatly contributed to our success in this area. To have now won the VinØ Program Champion award four times is very satisfying.”
Eversley Vines owners Shelley and Matthew Grant accepted the Most Improved Producer award, highlighting the value of the VinØ framework for small-scale growers.
“We are so honoured to receive the VinØ Most Improved Producer Award,” said Shelley Grant.
“As a small-scale producer focused on a regenerative approach to vineyard management, we have found the VinØ framework to be invaluable in identifying opportunities for change, measuring progress and shaping our practices to ensure continual improvement.
“This recognition belongs to everyone who puts their hands and hearts into this humble vineyard and celebrates a Tasmanian wine community which is united by sustainability, quality, and excellence.”
The 2025 report highlights Tasmania’s growing leadership in sustainable wine production, with the island’s producers continuing to advance environmental and community outcomes across the industry.