Sustainability and Australian Wines
Sustainability and Australian Wines
Sustainability is now a huge movement across the whole Australian wine industry. Minimal footprints, carbon neutrality and bio dynamics have all been real drivers in the industry as it takes on the challenges of the 21st Century.
The industry has its own programme “Sustainable Winegrowing Australia” which is Australia’s national program for grapegrowers and winemakers to demonstrate and continuously improve their sustainability in the vineyard and winery through the environmental, social and economic aspects of their businesses. To find out more go to www.sustainablewinegrowing.com.au/about-us/
Most of our wineries are active in the programme and have developed their own approach to sustainability and the challenges it presents. Nick Keukenmeester and Ben Glaetzer of Heartland Wines have their own unique approach to issues.
“How important is sustainability to the Heartland ethos?
BEN: We are so lucky in Australia. We have soils unpolluted and growing conditions that don’t require a lot of intervention, the vineyards are full of wildlife – sometimes kangaroos, and sometimes less cuddly reptiles.
NICK: In the vines we use goats instead of herbicides to keep the weeds under control. We are on the road to certification, but it’s a long road. Much more important is the fact that the winery is solar powered – making wine can have a massive carbon footprint that no one wants to talk about. We have one of the largest solar panel arrays in South Australia. It makes a difference.”
To see their full range of wines go to www.auswinesonline.co.uk/product-category/heartland-wines/
Other vineyards approach things differently. Cullen Wines in Western Australia as well as farming totally sustainably for many years also relies on Bio Dynamics to produce their stunning wines.
“RHYTHMS OF THE COSMOS
Moon rhythms strongly influence life on earth life.
As tides rise and fall in a pulsing rhythm, so does the sap of plants and all other liquids including those within the earth’s mantle. Viticultural practices are conducted according to these moon rhythms.
The position of the moon in relation to the planets is also critical. The time of great anticipation is the 48 hours leading up to when the moon (whose forces bring in calcium processes) and Saturn (whose forces bring in silica processes) are in opposition – the optimal time to plant. “
You can read more about their unique philosophy at www.cullenwines.com.au/philosophy/biodynamics/
