Case studies
Be inspired by these real life examples of water efficiency in viticulture and winemaking.
- Wingara WineriesWingara Wineries' water saving initiatives earned them a prestigious savewater! award in the Agribusiness category in 2001.
Wingara Wine Group Pty Ltd, is a privately owned company with vineyards and wineries in the Mildura area (Deakin Estate) and in Coonawarra (Katnook Estate and Riddoch). Deakin Estate is based 40km southeast of Mildura in the Sunraysia region and have developed a reputation for quality and value. Deakin Estate is a privately owned company renowned for producing good quality wine.
Water saving initiatives include soil moisture monitoring, irrigation scheduling and recycling filter backwash water, along with field trials of partial rootzone drying. These initiatives have put Wingara Wineries at the forefront of irrigation technology and vineyard management. A 6hectare demonstration site has been established at Deakin Estate, to enable other winegrape growers and researchers to visit and learn about these best management practices.
Water saving initiatives include soil moisture monitoring, irrigation scheduling and recycling filter backwash water, along with field trials of partial rootzone drying. These initiatives have put Wingara Wineries at the forefront of irrigation technology and vineyard management. A 6hectare demonstration site has been established at Deakin Estate, to enable other winegrape growers and researchers to visit and learn about these best management practices.
- Turning water into wineSalmon Gum Estates in South Australia’s Riverland is the site for this inspiring case study captured in the Natural Heritage Trust's Innovation in Irrigation publication.
In Loxton, South Australia, Peter Schulz has almost halved his water use, by replacing his overhead sprinkler system with a computer controlled drip irrigation system. This systems allows water to be ordered on an “as needed” basis, and delivers water directly to the vine root zone.
In addition Peter frequently tests the nutrient levels of his vines by conducting petiole samples, enabling him to provide the correct level of nutrients via the drip irrigation system. This combination has enabled Peter to increase his productivity and minimise his water use, currently producing about 1,700 tonnes of grapes with only 300 megalitres of water.
In addition Peter frequently tests the nutrient levels of his vines by conducting petiole samples, enabling him to provide the correct level of nutrients via the drip irrigation system. This combination has enabled Peter to increase his productivity and minimise his water use, currently producing about 1,700 tonnes of grapes with only 300 megalitres of water.