Our Sustainability
Jim Barry Wines has a long-standing commitment to sustainability. Outlined on this page are the sustainable practices and initiatives that have become integral to the grape growing process at Jim Barry Wines, highlighting the family’s dedication to preserving the environment and producing exceptional wines with a minimal ecological footprint.
Soil Management
Jim Barry Wines recognises the importance of tailoring their soil management practices to each vineyard site, acknowledging the unique characteristics of each soil type.
1.     Soil Specificity:Soil management practices are site-specific, considering the diverse soil types across vineyards. This approach ensures the soil's health and longevity are preserved.
2.     Straw Mulching:Straw mulch is employed in areas where soil moisture preservation is vital, particularly in younger vineyards. This practice aids in retaining moisture, preventing evaporation, and nurturing young vines.
3.     Annual Soil Testing:The winery conducts annual soil testing to assess nutrient levels. This data informs decisions on nutrient inputs, allowing for precise and efficient resource utilisation.
4.     Dry-Grown Vineyards:In dry-grown vineyards, soil wetting agents are added to improve soil moisture penetration throughout the profile. This practice ensures the well-being of the vines, especially during drier periods.
5.     Soil Moisture Monitoring:Regular soil moisture monitoring is undertaken to make informed decisions about irrigation scheduling. This practice helps conserve water resources and maintains soil health.
6.     Ground Cover Maintenance:Ground cover is maintained in midrows and undervine areas to prevent evaporation and promote microbial activity. Jim Barry Wines is moving away from traditional soil cultivation methods in favour of more sustainable alternatives.
7.     Compost and Nutrient Addition:In new vineyards, compost and additional nutrients are introduced to the rip mark. This process supports healthy soil development and long-term vineyard sustainability.
8.     Midrow Management:The winery experiments with different midrow management strategies depending on soil type. Some areas feature permanent sward, while others incorporate winter/spring-active medic/clovers to enhance nitrogen input.
Canopy Management
Effective canopy management is vital for both grape quality and yield. Jim Barry Wines employs various techniques to achieve these objectives:
1.     Bird Netting:Bird netting is utilised in select A++ blocks to protect the grape yield and quality. This sustainable approach prevents bird damage, reducing the need for chemical interventions.
2.     Catch Wires:Catch wires are employed to hold up the canopy, providing shading to the fruit. This practice enhances grape quality and reduces the risk of sunburn.
3.     Lift Wires in Riesling:In Riesling vineyards, lift wires are used to ensure appropriate light exposure without causing sunburn to the grapes. This careful management enhances the quality of the fruit.
4.     Pruning and Thinning:Pruning, shoot thinning, and bunch thinning are implemented to meet quality objectives. These practices help maintain balanced vine growth and high-quality fruit production.
Row Orientation and Trellis Setup:When developing new vineyards, Jim Barry Wines carefully considers row orientation and trellis setup to adapt to a warming climate in the long term.
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Nutrition and Composting
Nutrition and composting practices at Jim Barry Wines are designed to minimise synthetic inputs and reduce emissions:
1.     Grape Marc Utilisation:The winery utilises grape marc from their own vineyards, as well as pig and dairy waste and straw, to create compost. This practice reduces the reliance on synthetic nitrogen, contributing to lower emissions.
2.     Scientific Approach:Jim Barry Wines takes a scientific view, analysing trends in chemical soil properties. Their soil management plans are adjusted to add nutrients as needed, with a focus on restoring soil health for long-term viability.
Jim Barry Wines' commitment to sustainable soil and canopy management, as well as environmentally friendly nutrition and composting practices, exemplifies their dedication to producing high-quality wines while preserving the environment for future generations.
