Evans & Tate Signs the Margaret River Lightweight Glass Charter

by Nicola Burton April 17, 2026

Evans & Tate is proud to announce its formal commitment to the Margaret River Wine Association (MRWA) Lightweight Glass Charter — a regional sustainability initiative targeting lower carbon emissions through smarter wine packaging.

What Is the Lightweight Glass Charter?

The MRWA Lightweight Glass Charter sets a clear, measurable standard: all signatory wineries commit to using 750ml still wine bottles averaging under 420 grams in weight. Glass production and transport are among the most carbon-intensive elements of winemaking, and reducing bottle weight is one of the most direct ways a winery can lower its environmental footprint.

Switching to lightweight glass can reduce emissions by more than 20% — a significant gain from what might seem like a small change.

The charter also functions as a transparency tool, giving trade buyers and consumers a clear signal that a winery is taking tangible, independently recognised action on sustainability.

A Commitment Built on Years of Practice

For Evans & Tate, this is not a new direction — it is formal recognition of work already underway. Our team has been using bottles averaging under 420 grams since 2019, making the decision to sign the charter a natural next step.

As John Fogarty, Director of Operations and Head Viticulturist at Fogarty Wine Group, put it: "The team at Evans & Tate have done a great job to meet the commitment of the MRWA Lightweight Glass Charter. I look forward to building our sustainability program further across Evans & Tate and the wider Fogarty Wine Group."

Part of a Broader Sustainability Program

Evans & Tate is part of Fogarty Wine Group, which holds over 400 hectares of vineyards across the Margaret River region — all certified under Sustainable Winegrowing Australia (SWA). SWA certification is awarded to vineyards and wineries that demonstrate best practice in environmental, social, and economic sustainability, verified through rigorous, independent auditing.

Recent milestones within the group include certification for both Margaret River Vintners and Deep Woods Estate, reinforcing a consistent, region-wide commitment to responsible winemaking.

Why Lightweight Glass Matters for Margaret River

Margaret River has long been recognised as one of Australia's most distinctive and premium wine regions. Increasingly, that reputation extends beyond the wine itself to how it is grown, made, and packaged.

MRWA CEO Amanda Whiteland summed it up well: "We believe the Margaret River Wine Region can lead the way in adopting lightweight glass, setting an example for sustainable wine production globally."

At Evans & Tate, we share that ambition. Sustainability is not a single action — it is an ongoing commitment to continuous improvement, across every aspect of how we work.