Tinsel gone, it’s time to focus on New Year resolutions to do something meaningful about sustainability in the face of climate change, from the vineyard to the cellar door. 

In keeping with its ancient namesake, which means circle, Orbis Wines has been walking the talk in sustainable winemaking since owners Brad Moyes and Kendall Grey set up the family operation at McLaren Vale in 2019.

In this they have been ably assisted by sustainability focused Nuffield Scholar viticulturalist Richard Leask. 

The family philosophy has been to make exceptional wine using only what is necessary, and to return to the property what is needed for regeneration and sustainability; nurturing soil, vines and landscapes with an ecological focus. 

This exemplary commitment has led Orbis Wines to be a finalist in the Australian Top 50 Vineyards Awards 2021, trophies for which will be announced in February. 

Now, the Orbis Wines team has recruited ex-pat New Zealander, biodynamic and organic viticultural consultant and oenologist Lauren Langfield to guide the team in the vineyard, to the winery and to market. 

“We’re delighted that Lauren has joined us,” Kendall says. 

“Her knowledge and skill and commitment to make great wines in ways that minimise waste and damage and add to making a better environment is a very good fit for us. 

“It’s the way of the future.” 

Lauren began her wine career in larger scale conventional wine production, but has been working more recently with boutique winemakers.

“My strengths in organic and biodynamic viticulture benefit my winemaking - respecting fruit quality and not getting too heavy handed with the winemaking influences,” Lauren says. 

“I have put in the hard yards in the vineyard first, which I think is crucial for winemaking.” 

Orbis Wines takes into account economic, social and environmental responsibilities and demonstrates how to minimise adverse impact on natural resources and counter global warming. 

The winery is fully off-grid, and solar-powered with enough sparks to even charge the vineyard car and forklift as well. 

Regeneration in the vineyard with an eye to the future conditions is paramount. Weakened, unproductive old vines are being replaced with varietals better suited to Australian changing climate conditions. 

On the property now are Cinsault, Trousseau, Grenache, Tempranillo, Montepulciano, Fiano, Albarino, Nero D’avola and old vine Shiraz. 

As a finalist from a field of some 6000 grape-growers in Australia for the Vineyard Awards Orbis Wines demonstrates commitment to sustainability, innovation and growing great wines – which are the criteria used to judge the awards. 

It shows how to drive sustainable farming onto centre stage for 2022 and beyond.