Buronga Hill Winery turns 40: Still crushing it!

Company News | May 2025

Buronga Hill Winery turns 40 | Australian Vintage

As the sun sets over the vibrant vineyards of Sunraysia, Buronga Hill Winery (BHW) raises a glass to 40 years of excellence in Australian winemaking.

What began as a bold ambition has grown into one of the Southern Hemisphere’s largest and most technologically advanced wineries.

“Celebrating 40 years of Buronga Hill Winery is a moment of pride and reflection,” says Rob Merrick, Site Manager, Buronga Hill Winery.

“It’s a testament to our resilience, innovation, and collaborative spirit. BHW’s journey reflects not just longevity, but a legacy of continuous improvement and a deep-rooted passion for producing world-class wine.”

And world-class is no exaggeration. Today, Buronga Hill operates with over 1,500 tanks — from small batch fermenters to massive 500,000-litre vessels — and processes around 75 million litres of wine and juice annually. This year alone, the winery crushed for 56 consecutive days, including a peak week of over 15,000 tonnes of fruit. It’s a remarkable scale, but as the team proudly notes, “It’s our people that set us apart.”

Evolving with purpose

Winemaking at Buronga Hill has transformed dramatically over the decades. Climate change, technological leaps, and shifting consumer preferences have all shaped its path.

“We’ve embraced innovation at every step,” says Rob.

Techniques like crossflow filtration, flotation, electrodialysis, and advanced automation have enhanced quality and efficiency across the site.

“Today’s wine lovers are leaning into lighter, fresher styles — think lower alcohol, vibrant fruit, and minimal oak,” Rob explains.

“To meet this demand, BHW has diversified its portfolio with alternative varietals, convenient formats, and exciting launches like Poco Vino. It’s all about staying relevant and accessible while staying firm to our quality standards.”

Climate change has also been a driving force behind evolving vineyard and winery practices.

“Earlier harvests, like our 2025 vintage finishing in March, are now the norm,” Rob added. “We’re adapting proactively — maintaining wine quality while lowering our environmental footprint.”

Pia Merrick, Head Winemaker at BHW, says –

“The art of Winemaking is a testament to passion and patience. To me, this reflects well on our winemaking team at BHW as we have passion and we are very resilient and patient, especially during the vintage.”

Rooted in region and community

Set in the heart of the Sunraysia region, Buronga Hill’s success is linked to its location. With its warm climate, abundant sunshine, and reliable irrigation, Sunraysia is ideal for producing both quality and quantity.

“We have fruit from all over the country making its way to the Buronga winery, from the Valleys of the Hunter to the Barossa, the Adelaide Hills to the Riverland; with over 55% of our 2025 crush all coming off locally grown Sunraysia vineyards. We don’t just take from the land — we work with it,” says Rob.

Additionally, the team is incredibly proud to support the local schools in many ways, local businesses, as well as being a major employer in the district. The Buronga Winery employs over 80 seasonal staff along with a permanent team of 140, totaling over 250 locally, including a Grand Junction Vineyard and sister winery, Merbein Packaging.

Buronga Hill Winery | Australian Vintage

Sustainability in action

From regenerative agriculture and water conservation to solar power and waste minimisation, BHW is committed to sustainability. Grape waste is composted or processed, solar panels line the rooftops, and the winery recently shifted to 100% renewable energy through Flow Power.

Sustainability is more than a buzzword at Buronga Hill — it’s a pillar of operations. The winery has recently doubled down on key environmental priorities: waste and water.

“We’re working closely with suppliers and staff to reduce waste, boost recycling, and reuse where possible,” says Rob.

“We’re investing in smarter water programs and recycling practices — including cutting-edge technologies like reverse osmosis. It’s about using less and using it better.”

Recent upgrades like a second electrodialysis unit, which stabilises wines more efficiently and sustainably, further highlight the winery’s focus. These advances not only lower environmental impact but also ensure product excellence remains uncompromised.

AVL Culture and Values

Ask any long-standing member of the Buronga Hill team what keeps them here, and the answer is simple: culture. “It’s built on respect, collaboration, and pride in what we do,” says Rob.

The winery has become a workplace where people grow careers, solve problems, and stay for decades.

“There’s a camaraderie here that runs deep. It’s something you feel the moment you step on site.” This culture proved its worth during the challenging 2023 season. With floods affecting vineyards across the region, BHW teams pulled together to mitigate damage and deliver exceptional wines.

What’s next for BHW?

As Buronga Hill looks to its next chapter, the focus remains on innovation, quality, and people. New product development is high on the agenda — from low- and no-alcohol offerings to contemporary styles and packaging.

“Making wine in a region renowned for producing award-winning wines — celebrated for their fruity softness, generosity, and exceptional value — is one of the most rewarding aspects of our work,” adds Pia.

The goal is to meet modern consumers where they are, while continuing to lead in production excellence.

“We are very proud to have installed our second Electrodialysis unit at Buronga Hill Winery, taking our tartrate stabilisation to a far more efficient and sustainable practice, concludes Rob.

“This comes with reverse osmosis, whereby we are recycling the majority of the water used in this process. Just outstanding to have this continued investment in our site, for the region and the industry.”

As the 40^th anniversary celebrations continue, one thing is clear: Buronga Hill Winery is not just a legacy of the past — it’s a blueprint for the future.

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