Developed under the national EcoVineyards program—funded by Wine Australia—the four best-practice management guides offer clear, step-by-step advice focused on three key areas: soil health, ground cover, and functional biodiversity
Australia’s winegrape growers now have access to a suite of free, practical guides designed to encourage long-term, low-intervention vineyard management through ecological practices.
Developed under the national EcoVineyards program—funded by Wine Australia—the four best-practice management guides offer clear, step-by-step advice focused on three key areas: soil health, ground cover, and functional biodiversity. These resources are now available on the EcoVineyards website, alongside an expanding collection of tools and materials promoting ecological vineyard practices.
Delivered by Retallack Viticulture in partnership with local communities, EcoVineyards supports growers in nine wine regions across four states. Dr Mary Retallack, Managing Director of Retallack Viticulture and founder of the program, highlighted the initiative’s grassroots approach.
“We work closely with growers, providing practical, region-specific knowledge through events, demonstration sites, and hands-on support. Whether growers are already using ecological practices or just starting, these resources are here to guide them,” Dr Retallack said.
She emphasised that biologically focused vineyard techniques complement traditional methods, helping reduce reliance on ongoing interventions, saving time and resources, and aiding in environmental stewardship reporting.
Since its launch, EcoVineyards has established nearly 80 demonstration sites in renowned wine regions such as Margaret River, Hunter Valley, Yarra Valley, McLaren Vale, and Clare Valley, among others.
