Creating resilient vineyards
Future-Proofing Barossa’s Vineyards – Barossa’s wine grape growers are taking a hands-on approach to vineyard management, ensuring the region’s vineyards remain premium, profitable, and sustainable for generations to come.
Since 2014, Barossa Australia, with support from Wine Australia, has led an initiative trialling best-practice vineyard techniques—helping growers build healthier, more resilient vineyard ecosystems.
Nine demonstration vineyards across Barossa and Eden Valley serve as real-life case studies, showing how thoughtful vineyard management can improve quality and sustainability.
By introducing straw and composted mulch, native mid-row grasses, refined pruning techniques, and catch-wires, growers are already seeing real benefits:
- Healthier soils retain more water, reducing irrigation and pumping costs.
- Mid-row grasses lower vineyard temperatures—especially at night—helping vines withstand heat stress.
- Stronger soils lead to more consistent yields while reducing reliance on chemicals, fertilisers, and fuel.
- No cultivation means fewer tractor passes, minimising compaction and erosion—better for both the environment and growers’ bottom line.
- Biodiversity thrives, as mid-row grasses and flowering plants attract beneficial insects, reducing the need for chemical pest control.
This initiative continues to provide Barossa’s growers with practical, region-specific knowledge, reinforcing the region’s commitment to innovation and sustainable viticulture.
