Treasury Wine Estates (TWE) has introduced an industry first at its Barossa Valley site – a fully automated barrel management system that brings together robotics, digital technology and sustainability in winemaking.
The $10 million system replaces traditional, manual barrel handling with a high-tech process integrating driverless forklifts, a digital barrel management platform and automated washing and filling. Each barrel is individually identified and tracked, improving efficiency and traceability while reducing manual handling and energy consumption. The upgrade increases storage capacity by 60% to 125,000 barrels, reinforcing the Barossa Valley’s role as a centre for innovation in Australian wine production.
Technology that supports people and sustainability
The project was developed with strong leadership backing and a focus on long-term sustainability. The Barossa site already operates with over 6,000 solar panels supplying a quarter of its electricity, as well as a wastewater treatment plant and stormwater capture feeding a 254-megalitre dam. Automation complements these initiatives, helping TWE progress toward its target of net zero (Scope 1 and 2) emissions by 2030.
Importantly, the project has also created safer, more diverse and skilled roles. Former forklift operators have been re-skilled to manage the new digital systems and autonomous vehicles, reducing manual handling risks and strengthening the site’s capability in technology and innovation.
Measurable outcomes and industry impact
Since becoming operational in mid-2024, the automation has delivered tangible improvements in efficiency and safety, including a 50% reduction in forklift issues and near-miss incidents. Enhanced traceability and data capture are improving wine quality and providing greater confidence in provenance across key brands such as Penfolds, Pepperjack and Saltram.
The project demonstrates how sustainability, innovation and people development can work together to address key challenges facing regional production. By sharing knowledge across its global network, TWE is helping to shape the future of sustainable winemaking in Australia and beyond.
Treasury Wine Estates is a Category One Member of the Drinks Association.
