The Vintage Journal - Margaret River Guide 2022

Cape Mentelle has taken another approach by embracing science, technology, and AI machine learning. Laser sensors are attached to machinery to chart biomass in the vineyard and ascertain bud numbers, potential canopy growth, and grape crop weight. Soil mapping, climatic data, ‘Growing Degree Days’, and block-by-block analysis are all overlain to establish patterns of vine growth. Data is run through an algorithm to provide a vineyard performance dashboard. It can be accessed by iPhone or iPad in the field and used to plan or direct vineyard operations throughout the vineyard cycle. Areas of poor vitality can be composted, while more vigorous vines can carry a heavier crop load. Vineyard blocks with low soil moistures can be given supplementary water while preserving this limited resource. Herbicides are not needed, and compaction of soils is limited through less vineyard pass-throughs. This also leads to a significant reduction in diesel fuel costs and increased attention to biodiversity and regenerative practices. Voyager Estate is also trialling similar technologies and practices, including the use of Go- Pro cameras and machine learning to predict yields and identify growing patterns in their vineyards. At Leeuwin Estate, regenerative agriculture is a strong focus. Of note, also, is its commitment to sustainability and conservation. The previously neatly managed vineyards have become a ‘mess’ of vine health, biodiversity, and energy, but the quality of fruit, as the wines attest, has progressed. Similar regenerative work at Howard Park has also led to positive results. Accountability Many producers are members of Margaret River Organic Wine or Sustainable Winegrowing Australia. The latter is supported by industry bodies Australian Grape and Wine, Wine Australia, and The Australian Wine Research Institute. Certification is a means of monitoring practices, ensuring fidelity of nurture and guaranteeing the integrity of the final product. Ultimately, membership or participation in these organisations is about accountability, but it does not mean that others are not taking a sustainable approach. Some vignerons may prefer to avoid certification because it doesn’t suit their ways of working. All the same, accreditation will eventually become an obligatory compliance in the fine wine

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