sustainability

Thorn-Clarke Wines is a certified member of Sustainable Winegrowing Australia

Our family history in the Barossa dates back to the 1870’s. Since then, there has been a lot of environmental change, much of it due to an increasing population and farming practices. However, during this time we have also seen great improvements in technology, and a far greater awareness of how to minimise environmental impact and correct the mistakes of past generations.

At Thorn-Clarke we have every intention of ensuring our children, and the next six generations, inherit a healthy, environmentally sound and sustainable wine business.

current sustainability projects

sustainable winegrowing australia accreditation

Thorn-Clarke Wines is a certified member of Sustainable Winegrowing Australia.

resilient landscapes barossa

We are involved in the local Resilient Landscapes program, an initiative started by the Barossa Grape and Wine Association. This program is working to restore native vegetation corridors along our waterways.

solar

Early 2018, we installed a large solar panel system at our winery. This system helps to offset power consumption during the day and allows us to reduce our impact on the power grid.

responsible water use

Throughout our vineyards, we have fitted ‘moisture probes’ to monitor the soil moisture levels. Only when the soil is very low in moisture and the vines in real need of water during the summer months do we give them a drink. This policy not only conserves water but also results in small berry size, more concentrated flavours and better quality wine. It’s a win-win!

erosion

Controlling soil erosion is another issue which is important in farming areas. Our planting of trees and maintaining cover crops all year round ensures that we inhibit the runoff of top soils. This has a two tier effect in that we retain fertile top soils which are vital in the growth of healthy vines and we also avoid clogging of local waterways, whereby allowing natural flow.

tree planting

Since the mid 80’s we have engaged in an extensive tree planting program. We now estimate that we have planted over 10,000 trees on our properties. Included in this is a purpose planted woodlot, which is used to assist in waste water management.

winery waste water

In building our winery, we included a water treatment facility to ensure that any water used could be clarified before returning it into the environment. Once clarified, this water is sent to our woodlot where it aids in the growing of trees and also filters through the ground to our bores. Our bore water is then used in irrigating our vineyards.

waterways project in association with north para river catchment board

The North Para River is a key water course in the Barossa and flows through our property at Angaston. Over the years, exotic deciduous trees have grown in numbers through the water course, encouraged by livestock feeding and moving along the banks of the river. These trees inhibit the growth of native gum trees and drop their leaves into the water, discolouring it and having a negative effect on the ecosystem. We have removed livestock from around the river, taken out any ‘introduced’ tree species and planted more natives species. Our aim is to return this water course to a pristine example of native vegetation.

water collection

The winery, and more specifically our barrel shed, is used to catch rain water which runs off to a 280,000 litre water tank. This water is then used in the winemaking process.