Concerns & Projects

Water and Australia's Drought

The Australian drought is a vital issue that grape growers Australia wide have been forced to acknowledge. The major grape growing areas being affected by lack of water are those which rely heavily on producing large volumes. Barossa producers aim to grow much smaller grapes with better flavour concentration. In doing this irrigation is done on a much smaller scale and Thorn-Clarke vineyards is no exception. Having said this, we understand that the only solution to Australia's water crisis is for everyone to cut back in their water usage and for this reason we have implemented a number of strategies in all aspects of our business to achieve this.

Erosion

With the Australian drought as it is, controlling soil erosion is another issue which is becoming important in farming areas. Planting of trees and maintaining cover crops all year round ensures that we inhibit the runoff of topsoils. This has a two tier effect in that we retain fertile topsoils which are vital in the growth of healthy vines and we also avoid clogging of local waterways, whereby allowing natural flow.

Tree Planting

Since the mid 80's we have engaged in an extensive tree planting program. We now estimate that we have planted over 10,000 trees on our properties. Included in this is a purpose planted woodlot which is used to assist in waste water management.

Winery Waste Water

In building our winery we included a water treatment facility to ensure that any water used could be clarified before returning it into the environment. Once clarified this water is sent to our woodlot where it aids in the growing of trees and also filters through the ground to our bores. Our bore water is then used in irrigating our vineyards.

Water Collection

The winery, and more specifically our barrel shed, is used to catch rain water which runs off to a 280,000 litre water tank. This water is then used in the winemaking process.

Waterways

Another significant project is a program we are carrying out in association with the North Para River Catchment Board. The North Para River is a key water course in the Barossa and flows through our property at Angaston. Over the years, exotic deciduous trees have grown in numbers through the water course. The spread has been encouraged by livestock feeding and moving along the banks of the river. The deciduous trees inhibit the growth of native gum trees and drop their leaves into the water discolouring it and having a negative effect on the ecosystem. We have removed livestock from around the river, taken out the non native trees and planted more natives. Our aim is to return this water course to a pristine example of native vegetation.