Stories
Alisdair on Running a Carbon-Neutral Business
From
Wonnarua Land (Pokolbin, Hunter Valley NSW)
Organisation
Keith Tulloch Wine
Passions
Sustainability, Climate Change Action, Biodiversity

Alisdair Tulloch is fifth-generation grapegrower and winemaker at Keith Tulloch wines, which has been certified as carbon neutral by the Federal Government.
Alisdair’s Story
What is your job?
I am the operations manager at Keith Tulloch Wine in the Hunter Valley, overseeing the management of the vineyard and winery. I have also overseen our sustainability initiatives since 2017, which includes our soil health program, our biodiversity program and our carbon neutrality.
So what was the main drive behind creating a carbon-neutral business model?
Grapes and wine are inextricably linked to the notion of terroir – they represent place including the soils, the aspect, the sunlight and of course the climate. Each vintage of wine is a snapshot into the region, capturing all the seasons, the rain, the drought, the hot and the cold. We feel a great responsibility to make sure that we don’t influence the climate that so greatly influences us as farmers.
How did the opportunities and experiences you had in your hometown help you get to where you are?
I’ve grown up in a grape growing family and region – I know firsthand how profoundly the changing climate has affected wine and what the future risks are. It’s shaped my respect for the natural environment and empowered me to make these changes.
What advice do you have for rural young people?
To push the boundaries and break new ground is rewarding but also difficult – don’t get pulled back into old habits or methods by people who are resistant to change. Win them over with results and they will follow.

More Inspiring Rural Stories
Alkina on finding her Community and Indigenous Art
Alkina speaks about the challenge of growing up as an Indigenous young person in rural Victoria.
From: Yorta Yorta Land (Echuca VIC)
After school: Work
Jessica on Starting A Netball Club and Studying Law
Jessica moved to Adelaide to study a Bachelor of Laws. As a way to make friends in the city, Jessica started the Walkerville Netball Club. It is now the third largest netball club in Adelaide.
From: Meru Land (Renmark SA)
After school: Gap year, University
Josephine on Studying Criminal Justice
Josephine studied a Bachelor of Criminal Justice. She spent 6 months working in the Netherlands before securing a job as a disability support worker back home.
From: Gundijimara Land (Heywood VIC)
After school: University