Tell us in a few sentences about your experience as a viticulturist, how did you arrive here?
I developed an interest in viticulture 30 years ago when I began working in various Margaret River vineyards as a young man looking for a career to pursue. Since then, all may experience through working and life in general have contributed to my current outlook to wine and viticulture.
My intention is to create a natural product with a reduced carbon footprint works in well with the philosophies of Stormflower vineyard.
Why did you decide to apply to be an EcoGrower, was there something specific that influenced your decision and/or had you attended a previous EcoVineyards session?
At Stormflower we are interested in making organic wines which represent this natural site. The EcoGrower program seems to travel down the same path.
Has there been a defining moment or catalyst for you to move towards more ecologically driven viticultural practices?
Being certified organic requires a percentage of the property to be revegetated. Any further techniques which can lower our carbon footprint and promote the natural environment are valuable to Stormflower.
Can you provide a brief overview of your project ideas, and what you wish to achieve over the 3 years and why is this important to you?
To enhance the natural environment in a beneficial way for the vineyard.
Are you just starting to learn, or have you been enhancing biodiversity on your property and is this an extension of what you are currently doing?
We currently have a biodiverse revegetation area which is coming along well. There are a number of plant species in the area which are contributing to the biodiversity at Stormflower.
Tell us about your hidden superpowers, something that others don’t know about you or a practice you would like to champion?
I’m a pretty regular dude. But we sure could use a superhero…
Where do you see grape growing in the future, do you feel there is an urgency to change current practices? If so, why?
I hope to see more sustainable techniques adopted in the future.
What else would you like to share with the broader EcoVineyards community, what gets you excited about the future?
We can create a spark of interest in the community which can develop into greater ideas and techniques in the future. Ultimately growing a sustainable community.