Sustainability
At Clairault Streicker, we have begun implementing sustainable and regenerative practices in our vineyards, and beyond. As caretakers of four diverse vineyards in the Margaret River region, we are proud to be taking steps towards ensuring our natural resources are protected for generations to come. Our four vineyards are fully certified with Sustainable Winegrowing Australia.
The key areas we are currently focusing on in the vineyard include disease and pest management, soil health, water efficiency, biodiversity and involvement in community initiatives.
Disease & Pest Management
We tackle disease and pest management with the Integrated Pest Management (IPM) principles . We agist sheep to graze our undervine grass, which in effect reduces the requirement for herbicides whilst supporting local farmers and optimising resources. We use an undervine weeder at critical times which interrupts the life cycle of unfavoured pests like weevils and snails.
Soil Health
Soil health is approached with a closely monitored and managed nutrient and supplement regime, including bacterial and fungal amendments. We apply compost where appropriate and enjoy native cover crops at each of our sites, increasing soil carbon and improving the overall health of the land and the soil.
Biodiversity
Each of our properties benefit from a high proportion of natural bushland, in comparison to area planted to vines. On average 25% of our land is dedicated to natural ecosystems, contributing to biodiversity and protecting native flora and fauna. We work continousely to maintain the native areas through invasive species control, supplementary native plantings and biosecurity measures .
Water Usage
Any water used to irrigate our vines is restricted to the localised rainwater catchment of that property. This can place pressure at some sites in drier years. Of our four vineyards, those with naturally occurring flowing catchments are the ones that fare better.
Community Initiatives
We have a team of dedicated individuals at Clairault Streicker Wines who actively involve themselves in community events and initiatives. Company Viticulturist Chris Gillmore is on the Sustainability Subcommitee of the Margaret River Wine Association and the local Arum Lily Blitz. Our team recently assisted in the revegetation program at the Margaret River Rivermouth. Clairault Streicker Wines Owner John Harrison Streicker was founder and board member of Friends of Australian Wildlife Conservancy (AWC).
Sustainability is an ongoing process with continual evaluation, improvement and action. We will continue this journey in collaboration with our team, peers, industry and community groups, and driven by Wine Australia’s Sustainable Winegrowing Australia initiatives. We are currently working on expanding our sustainable practices beyond the vineyard and into all other areas of the company.