Internationally renowned scientist, agro-ecologist and third generation viticulturist Dr Mary Retallack will keynote the event as the WSU Ravenholt Lecturer.

Even in one of the driest years South Australia has seen, the wildflowers and native grasses planted at Skillogalee Estate, in the Clare Valley region, have thrived.

Skillogalee’s winemaker Kerri Thompson (KT) is “gobsmacked” at just how well the natives have done, especially the Western Australian everlasting daisies.

Proving you don’t have to pick one passion when you plan your career, Mary Retallack is a Viticulturist, Agroecologist and Managing Director of viticultural consultancy Retallack Viticulture Pty Ltd. She also founded and runs the National EcoVineyards Program.

Dr Mary Retallack, Retallack Viticulture Pty Ltd discusses her role as a viticulturist and agroecologist ‍to demonstrate the diversity of roles available in and around the vineyard and throughout the wine value chain for the next generation looking for an exciting role in the wine community.

Gardening Australia visited EcoVineyards and Retallack Viticulture HQ, to share how we can grow in harmony with nature and how ecological principles apply not only to vineyards but all production areas including backyard veggie patches.

Source:  Wine Australia    

In Australia, Winemakers Are on the Forefront of Mitigating Climate Change … “There is now widespread momentum from wineries large and small to examine the dirt beneath their feet. Programs like EcoVineyards, funded by Wine Australia, the industry’s national organizing body, help growers set concrete goals to enhance biodiversity, reduce the need for herbicides through biocontrols like predatory insects and …