Verity Cowley has been appointed managing director and head winemaker of Orbis Wines in McLaren Vale.
She brings over 15 years of experience in winemaking and viticulture with a reputation for expertise in certified organic and preservative-free winemaking.
Verity recently presented at WINE ENG 2024 on the complexities of preservative-free winemaking.
She says she will “further the winery’s mission” of minimal intervention, sustainability and circular farming.
“I am excited to join Orbis Wines, a winery that shares my values for sustainability and crafting wines that reflect the land they come from,” Verity says.
“I look forward to continuing Orbis Wines’ work towards a regenerative future and creating wines that express the true essence of McLaren Vale while pushing the boundaries of sustainable winemaking.”
Verity’s winemaking and viticulture skills were honed in the diverse regions of the Strathbogie Ranges, McLaren Vale, Eden Valley, the Riverland, Langhorne Creek and Rheinhessen in Germany.
Her extensive background in sustainable practices and her passion for minimal intervention winemaking have made her a key player in the rising popularity of preservative-free wines in Australia.
Since it began in 2018, Orbis Wines has been at the forefront of sustainability, integrating eco-friendly practices across its operations.
The winery, crafted from native hardwood timber grown on-site, harnesses solar power and rainwater evaporation to create optimal conditions for winemaking.
Powered by solar energy, Orbis Wines’ electric vehicle for local deliveries played a key role in the winery receiving the 2023 SAWIA Environmental Excellence Award.
This approach is part of their closed-loop farming model, which continuously adapts to reduce carbon emissions and sequester carbon in the soil, embodying the principles of regenerative viticulture.
Verity is currently working on blending and bottling the 2024 vintage.
Headlining the new releases will be the 2024 Fiano and “the ever-popular” 2024 chillable Light Red.
Orbis Wines’ favourite styles will be back but expect some new blends and exciting releases in the future.
“I’m eager to usher in a new chapter at Orbis Wines, aiming to further develop the winery’s holistic approach to sustainability and ensure our practices make a lasting environmental impact,” Verity says.
Orbis Wines founders and owners Kendall Grey and Brad Moyes say they are thrilled to have Verity join them.
“Her expertise in sustainability and organics are exactly what we need to guide our vineyard through organic conversion.
“Verity shares our philosophy of preservative-free and minimal intervention winemaking.
“We love her trailblazing spirit, and we are very excited to see where the journey takes us!”
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