At Yering Station our guiding principle in everything we do here is to leave the environment in a better state.  We employ sustainable methods in all our practices to ensure harmony with the earth.  Today, many options exist for viticulturists to consider a natural form of pest and disease management and at Yering Station our Environment management initiatives include.

Preventative Disease Management

We rely on canopy management to prevent the outbreak of disease.  We do this through cane pruning for light crops by positioning the canopy to optimize airflow and light penetration.  We also use Sulphur to protect the vines from powdery mildew.  Sulphur is a natural product and is accepted in organic production.

Pest Management

We use a system of Integrated Pest Management.  This is a holistic approach that requires advanced understanding of the pest and its lifecycle.  It promotes control options that avoid the use of synthetic chemicals and instead encourages timely application of alternative control measures.  At Yering Station biological fungicides are also used.  Fungi can play a role in managing certain ailments with effect vines.

Irrigation

Due to our cool climates we only apply irrigation when it is needed to keep the vine canopy functioning.  We use soil moisture technology.  This prevents water wastage without jeopardising the vine health through under watering.  This method tells us how much moisture the soil is holding and how quickly it is depleting.

Land Conservation

Our aim is to continually increase the range and habitat of flora and fauna on our property.  At Yering Station we have added to the habitat by planting ‘natural vegetation corridors’ within the vineyard area with the aim of creating habitat for biological predators and local fauna.  In 2009 Yering Station completed the Shire of Yarra Ranges Sustainable Business Program.  Yering Station signed onto the ‘Ribbons of Green’ program where the shire donates local, indigenous trees to offset the shire’s carbon footprint.  We are working closely with the community to plant 1000 trees in spring 2010.  Sheep are also used to provide weed control reducing the need for herbicides.  

We have been practicing sustainable production for 40 years as we believe that sustainable farming principles produce healthier soils, more balanced grapes and better quality wines.