The winery has been granted $85,000 from the Federal Government, to boost what could be the biggest solar-powered winery projects in the country.

The grant will be put toward a major solar panel grid, to be erected on the winery premises in Nuriootpa.

The gird will be capable of generating 150kW of power per day - to cater for full winery production.

It is not the first solar development for the company - the cellar door already operates on solar driven energy.

Cameron Ashmead, Elderton co-managing director, said he was ecstatic to see the grant approved.

“Elderton has been an industry leader in incorporating green initiatives into their day to day operations, having been one of the fist wineries in Australia to be fully accredited carbon neutral,” Mr Ashmead said.

The winery expects to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 55 tonnes per year through the new power source, and aims to have the system operational by the end of this year.