Given that the heat is certainly on the Australian wine industry to prove itself as a worthy citizen in the environmental stakes, especially after the convictions metered out to BRL Hardy for polluting the environment (BRL gets its knuckles wrapped, 24/5/3), it’s important to show that some wineries are indeed doing the right thing. McLaren Vale-based winery Wirra Wirra is working with the Onkaparinga Catchment Water Management Board to revegetate around 700 meters of an unnamed creek that runs through its property. The company aims to create a nature corridor to provide a habitat for native birds and animals, and is trying to get other local landholders in on the act. Company management introduced its plans to 45 local growers and to date the feedback appears to be positive. Much of Wirra Wirra’s work has been to remove introduced tree species such as ash trees, many of which reduce the habitats for native animals and reduce water quality in local streams. The removed trees were not simply dumped, but mulched to create over 100 square metres of mulch which has since been used on landscaping to help save water. Next step is a revegetation program comprising over 3,000 native plants. Clearly a model that other wineries might follow, Wirra Wirra now recycles its 200 tonnes of waste grape marc, returning it to the vineyard as compost and mulch, and treats winery waste water before using it to irrigate vines.
