Only 40 kilometres south of Adelaide, the capital city of South Australia, McLaren Vale is easily accessible. With a history of viticulture and winemaking that is almost as old as the state of South Australia itself. The first vines were planted here in 1838, just two years after settlement. Since then the region has grown into a community of likeminded individuals who grow grapes and make wine sustainably. Sustainable Winegrowing Australia (SWA) is a local industry initiative fostering and applying sustainable practices. Grape growers who are part of SWA account for more than 70 per cent of McLaren Vale’s total grape crush. Not only is McLaren Vale home to some of the world’s oldest vines, you could also say the region is the centre of Australia’s sustainable grape growing.

Biodynamic farming is not magic, nor is it a mystical belief that relies more upon hope than science. Biodynamics is simply a way of farming that enhances the soil and the environment around it through natural improvers rather than chemical sprays.