Viticulture & wine making
While principal production areas are located in the south-east states (South Australia, New South Wales and Victoria), wine grape growing and winemaking are carried out in all Australian states and territories.
The Australian wine industry and water
With total annual sales of over $1.75 billion in 2001 and efforts to reach $4.5 billion by 2025, the Australian Wine Industry is undergoing a period of growth that will have a significant impact on water use levels for both grape-growing and wine production.
The Australian Wine Industry Environment Strategy “Sustaining Success” recognises the importance of careful environmental management. It highlights the fact that the current success and future growth of the industry can only be sustained if environmental issues such as water use are addressed.
Recent drought and depleted natural systems have made water a limiting factor to production, and businesses have had to learn how to do more with less. Efficient water management in vineyard and winery operations will place the operation in a good position for future development.
In addition to limited water availability, there are broader water-related issues affecting the wine industry. They include:
The Australian Wine Industry Environment Strategy “Sustaining Success” recognises the importance of careful environmental management. It highlights the fact that the current success and future growth of the industry can only be sustained if environmental issues such as water use are addressed.
Recent drought and depleted natural systems have made water a limiting factor to production, and businesses have had to learn how to do more with less. Efficient water management in vineyard and winery operations will place the operation in a good position for future development.
In addition to limited water availability, there are broader water-related issues affecting the wine industry. They include:
- Salinity;
- Ecosystem health, natural flows and water cycles;
- Runoff and erosion;
- Water quality; and
- Groundwater contamination.
Why save water in the wine industry?
Economic benefits include:
Agronomic benefits include:
Additional benefits include:
- Decreased cost of water supplied (mains water), as well as of wastewater disposal;
- Reduced pumping needs, which will reduce annual energy costs (and greenhouse emissions); and
- Fewer infrastructure requirements, such as the maintenance of pumping equipment and water pipes.
Agronomic benefits include:
- Improved quality of grapes; and
- Improved crop yield (more grapes per area of land).
Additional benefits include:
- Improved business image and marketability of your product;
- Reduced impact of stormwater flow and the potential for erosion. This minimises damage to your property, as well as the local environment;
- Protection of local aquatic environments, by the improved quality of flows from the property;
- Preparation of the company for future drought, water restrictions or an increase in water prices; and
- Minimisation of the impacts of salinity and groundwater contamination in your region.