With how this year is going, it’s inevitable that we’re going to buy a bottle of wine at some point in the near future (read: tonight), so why not make that inevitable purchase a charitable one? Turns out, so many Australian wines—on top of being delicious—give back to important causes with each bottle purchased. Below, we’ve searched for the wine brands, big and small, who donate proceeds, make an environmental change, or provide much-needed water to those in need. Cheers!
Tread Softly
Sourced predominantly from established vineyards in South Australia, Tread Softly wines are crafted to better minimise environmental impact by utilising conservative and ecologically sound vineyard and water management. For every dozen wines purchased through Tread Softly—a range that features lighter alcohol content—a native tree is planted to combat climate change. This year, the winery celebrated planting 100,000 Australian native trees in the Yarra Yarra Biodiversity Corridor in Western Australia.
Our pick? The Tread Softly Pinor Noir.
Goodwill Wine
When David Laity lost most of what he owned in the Black Saturday bushfires, he found newfound gratitude and appreciation for the Australian spirit after receiving donation funds to rebuild his life. Founding Goodwill Wine as a means to give back to the community, the team carefully curates a selection of wines for wine lovers everywhere, giving 50 per cent of each purchase to charities across Australia. Partnering with a selection of Australian charities—including Animals Australia and The Dignity Project—when checking out, customers can choose which charity their percentage will go to. Since its 2009 inception, more than $360,000 has been given back.
Our pick? The (Vegan) Eden Valley Rosé.
Little Ripples
Turning wine into water is the aim of Little Ripples, a local wine company providing clean water to developing countries. For every bottle you buy from Australian winery, you are providing one person in need with a year of clean water. Together with their charity partner, The BridgIT water foundation, Little Ripples identify the communities most in need, facilitate the construction or repair of a water well, and implement a strategy to maintain and manage the well for at least 10 years.
Our pick? The Little Ripples Chardonnay.
The Wateryard
The Wateryard is a social enterprise, established in 2017 by Dominic Monckton, with the simple idea of utilising Australia’s world-leading wine industry as an instrument to fund impactful social projects in remote Australia. Partnering with First Creek Wines, Flametree Wines and Head Wines, for every dozen purchased, $50-$100 is invested directly, funding clean water initiatives for those who need it most.
Our pick? The Regions Hunter Valley Verdelho.