Winery committed to healthy, organic soils

This is the final stage in a program that began in 2008 to change from 'chemically sustained' viticulture to Certified Organic in line with the company's sustainability goals.

As a long-standing accredited partner of ACO Certification, the largest certifying organic body in Australia, Angove Family Winemakers dedication to responsible certified organic farming practice, termed the Angove Ground to Glass philosophy, has set the benchmark for best-practice across Australia's organic wine industry.

According to the Australian Organic Market Report 2019, health and environmental factors are driving the movement and the switch to certified organics, with more than 65 per cent of Australians choosing organic products in a bid to live healthier and to consume products that do not harm the environment.

Currently worth $2.6 billion, the organic market is booming and organic wine accounts for 1.5% of the total organic market in Australia with production increase by 50% between 2018 and 2019.

A paper published in the European Journal of Soil Science (June 2019) highlights the increasing focus of scientists on the link between soil health and human health.

Researchers have established the important role soil plays in supplying nutrients for the human diet, purifying water and providing medicines, which may also lead to exposure to pathogens and various chemical species both organic and inorganic such as chemical pesticides and fertilisers, which have both direct and indirect effects on human health.

"Simply put, there is no other way, other than certified organic viticulture, to produce the best tasting wines as well as to take care of the environment and our fellow human beings," long standing Angove chief winemaker, Tony Ingle said.

"It is important that our soil is healthy to ensure we are getting the best nutrients without chemicals and toxins.

"Organic viticulture is viewed as the best way to improve soil quality and optimise water use, which creates stronger, healthier vines and better fruit."

The Angove Ground to Glass commitment to upholding the rigorous Certified Organic accreditation comes at a price to the business with deep and long term investment required.

"We believe farming Certified Organic is an investment which is required to continue to improve the environment for our next generation of winemakers," joint managing director and fifth generation winemaker, Richard Angove said.

"The process of converting soil to Certified Organic as well as all farming and manufacturing practices, has to be completely re-engineered.

"My children are five and three years of age and we need to be sure to pass precious natural resources on to the next generation."