Sustainability

Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do at K1. From vineyard to cellar door, we are committed to minimising our environmental footprint and maximising biodiversity through thoughtful land stewardship, renewable energy use, and sustainable practices in every aspect of our operations. From packaging made of recyclable or natural materials to waste reduction across all departments, our goal is to tread lightly while producing wines of enduring quality.

This ethos began with Geoff Hardy’s mother, the renowned environmentalist Dr Barbara Hardy, whose lifelong dedication to science, conservation and climate action instilled in Geoff a fierce determination to protect the natural world. That same passion is now being carried forward by Geoff’s daughter, Jess. A winemaker and committee member of Future Farmers South Australia, Jess has extended her studies into horticulture and regenerative agriculture — bringing new research, technologies and ecological thinking into practice at K1.

We are proud participants in the EcoVineyards program, developed by leading viticulturist Dr Mary Retallack, which integrates ecological principles into vineyard management. As part of the program, we’ve planted native shrubs and groundcovers such as prostrate myoporum, ruby saltbush, and bursaria spinosa to attract beneficial insects for natural pest control. We’re also trialling mixed under-vine and mid-row swards to enhance soil health and reduce the need for conventional weed management.

During winter, while the vines lie dormant, we welcome our Merino x Border Leicester, Black Suffolk, and Texel cross sheep from the neighbouring property to graze amongst the rows. These RMUs — Remote Mowing Units, as we affectionately call them — serve as natural mowers and fertilisers, helping to manage mid-row growth, reduce the need for mechanical slashing, and improve overall soil health through gentle compaction and nutrient cycling.

Environmental Heritage

The K1 Estate sits on Kaurna – Peramangk Country, and its story long predates vines. Once owned by Sir Douglas Mawson, legendary Antarctic explorer and scientist, the land around K1 was gently cleared over a century ago for grazing, with thoughtful preservation of native corridors along creek lines and ridge edges. These uncultivated areas have become havens for a wide range of native flora and fauna — from kangaroos and koalas to echidnas, ringtail and brushtail possums.

Sir Douglas, ever curious and scientific, worked with the University of Adelaide to trial different pasture species for erosion control and feed quality. These early experiments contributed to the development of select subterranean clovers and hardy ryegrass cultivars still used across the region today.

Since acquiring the property in 1987 from a retiring dairy farmer, Geoff has continued this legacy of care. Alongside establishing the vineyard and wetlands, he has championed the regeneration of thousands of native plant species and introduced shade-giving exotic trees around The Lakehouse cellar door — creating a space where biodiversity, sustainability, and beauty all thrive.