Sustainability
Sustainability
Creating a more sustainable future at Byrne Vineyards
A Leader in Sustainable Viticulture
Byrne Vineyards is an advocate of sustainable viticulture and winegrowing practices. Our dedication to this vision drives us to continuously implement and improve sustainability initiatives. We recognize that Australia boasts of an exquisite biodiversity and natural beauty, and we take pride in our role in preserving it for future generations.
Byrne Vineyards are proudly a certified member of Sustainable Winegrowing Australia. Our ethos revolves around minimizing harm and maximizing benefits to the environment and the community. At Byrne Vineyards, sustainability is not just a buzzword, but a way of life that we are proud to champion.
Sustainability Actions
Irrigation
Automated specific-to-delivery outputs ensuring water is not wasted, as well as drip irrigation which saves water and nutrients by putting water directly into the roots of the plants.
Chemicals
Selecting products that are less hazardous to human health and the environment, while only purchasing when needed. Reducing spray drift by only doing so when conditions are optimal, and disposing of chemical containers in the correct
manner.
Energy
Pumping water efficiently to minimise electricity usage, and utilising energy efficient lighting where possible.
Soil Management
We utilise a soil management plan and monitor the property for salinity issues. If required to remove vines from salinity areas, we revegetate with native trees. Our team monitors for soil degradation or erosion to minimize further damage.
Waste
We recycle our steel, cardboard, and other recyclable items, and continually clear up old infrastructure and rubbish on the property.
Wetlands Preservation
We monitor for exotic plants and weeds, animal infestations and erosion, whilst working with Landscape SA to achieve a full dry of wetlands as appropriate.
Scotts Creek Vineyard and Wetlands
At the heart of our sustainability goals, we are committed to preserving and maintaining the natural environment on our properties, especially the Wetland
environment at our Scotts Creek Vineyard, which is home to many rare and endangered species, including over 73 native flora and fauna, and is one of South Australia’s largest natural wetland environments.
The Wetlands situated on our Scotts Creek Vineyard has been
conserved since the early 1900s, when Sidney Wilcox created banks that kept the water out of the lagoon, only flooding in high rivers. As a result, our wetland was able to continue its natural cycle of wetting and drying phases, while other wetlands along the River Murray, when locks and weirs were installed, became permanently wet, resulting in salinisation of the wetlands, threatening the freshwater species living within.
In 2000, structures were built to manage the wetting & drying phases of the wetland. By restoring long-term health to the local ecosystems and demonstrating responsible environmental management and sustainable practice, we have contributed a genuine benefit to the region.
As part of our sustainability pledge, we make sure to reserve 12 hectares of native land for every 1 hectare that we farm. This land comprises of thriving wetlands and bushlands, bursting with a diverse range of plant life. Our unwavering commitment to preserving our trees and rivers forms an integral part of our journey towards achieving our sustainability goals.
By championing sustainable conservation practices, we remain steadfast in our commitment to preserving the delicate balance of our ecosystem for future generations.
