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Learn about sustainability in McLaren Vale
Want to know more about what makes McLaren Vale one of the most environmentally sustainable wine grape growing region? Below is a list of the some of the winery experiences, trails and tours in the region with a ‘green’ focus:
Gemtree Wines Wine and Wander Tour
Enjoy the perfect combination of nature, food and wine with the Wine and Wander experience. Discover the flora, fauna and wildlife of Gemtree along the Gemtree Eco Trail. Learn about biodynamic grape growing and wine making at the Biodynamic Hut, enjoy a tutored tasting of Gemtree’s wines, and indulge in a private dining experience prepared by the award-winning chefs at the nearby Salopian Inn.
Gemtree Wines Being Biodynamic Tour
Learn about biodynamic grape growing and wine making during a relaxing guided tour of Gemtree’s Biodynamic Hut, and see firsthand how this philosophy is applied in the vineyards. Complete the tour with a delicious regional platter featuring some of the Vale’s finest produce, cheeses, condiments and locally baked breads along with a glass of Gemtree Regional Wine.
Discover Wirra Wirra Experience
Learn the secrets behind Wirra Wirra’s biodynamic vineyards, taste biodynamic wines on the Wirra Wirra jetty, learn about winemaking and barrel ageing via a tour of the original ironstone cellars, and taste five of Wirra Wirra’s best wines complemented with a chocolate tasting plate. Finish with a two-course lunch and wine from Harry’s Deli.
Yangarra Estate Cellar Door
Yangarra Estate's organic and biodynamic journey began in 2008, and they have been certified biodynamic and organic with ‘Australian Certified Organic’ (ACO cert #11587) since 2012. Yangarra is committed to organic and biodynamic vineyard management that promotes sustainability and natural biodiversity on the Estate. Visit the Yangarra cellar door to learn about their biodynamic and organic vineyards and approach to innovative winemaking and viticulture.
Hither and Yon Cellar Door
Hither & Yon become South Australia’s first carbon neutral certified wine brand, achieving the status with Australian Government program Climate Active. The winery received the certification on February 1, 2021, when its product range and business operations met the Climate Active Carbon Neutral Standard for Organisation and Product requirements. In 2022 they achieved certification with Sustainable Winegrowing Australia for their wine business and vineyards. Visit the Hither & Yon cellar door in Willunga to hear about their journey to incorporate sustainability into their vineyards and wine business.
d’Arenberg Cellar Door
You simply can’t come to McLaren Vale and miss the d’Arenberg Cube! Visit the iconic tasting room along with the onsite restaurant, café, and museum. Not only are d’Arenberg certified organic and biodynamic winemakers, but sheep agistment, solar power, and natural disease control are a few ways that they uphold their commitment to the environment. In addition, all d’Arenberg estate and leased vineyards are NASAA Certified for organic and biodynamic processes, the largest biodynamic certified grower in Australia for wine grapes under our portfolio.
Angove Family Winemakers Cellar Door
Now a fifth-generation family business, Angove Family Winemakers are certified organic winery who pride themselves on their commitment to sustainability. Angove Family Winemakers are also members of Sustainable Winegrowing Australia and the Australian Packaging Covenant. Visit their McLaren Vale cellar door to learn about their sustainability journey and you might even catch a glimpse of the Indian duck runners who help to maintain their certified organic status.
Paxton Wines Cellar Door
Once home to a historic 1980s sheep farm and village, today Paxton vineyards produce high quality organic wines using biodynamic viticulture practices. You’ll also find a variety of plant life (and beehives) between the rows, which provide dense nutrients for the soil and promote grape pollination for the vines. This charming cellar door is set amongst the vines with sweeping views of McLaren Vale and its surrounds.
Battle of Bosworth Cellar Door
Conversion to organic viticulture began in 1995 for Battle of Bosworth wines. They now have a significant holding of 20 years and older Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Viognier, Petit Verdot, Sauvignon Blanc and Mourvèdre (as well as a little Graciano and Touriga Nacional) vines which are fully certified organic by Australian Certified Organic, a process that takes four years. A visit to their cellar door (an old 1850s converted chaff shed and stables) allows you to taste their organically grown and certified wines from their family owned vineyards.
Small Batch Wine Tours Sustainability in Wine Tour
On this sustainability focussed wine tour, you’ll visit family-owned wineries who focus on sustainable, largely-organic growing practices in the vineyard, and keep the extra nasties out of your wine. You’ll learn what it means to be organic and biodynamic, how it benefits the local ecosystems surrounding and supporting the vineyards, and how it makes for a better wine in the glass. From vineyard practices to winery management, to what goes into making your wine will all be covered in this one-of-a-kind sustainable wine tour.
Image (C) Copyright Gemtree Wines
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