KOONARA Wines has been highly commended in the 2019 Landcare Australia awards for an innovative project which uses insects to reduce the need for chemical applications in the vineyard.
Recently attending a presentation evening where the winery was nominated for the Innovation in Land Management award, Koonara Wines’ Dru Reschke said it was an amazing honour.
Nominated anonymously, Koonara was commended for its use of hunter bugs in the vineyard to maintain pests, creating its own ecosystem through the planting of flowers.
“We were nominated by somebody and we do not know who which we think is great,” Mr Reschke said.
“The criteria was just part of what it was that is so innovative about our vineyards so we spoke about the flowers we grow which encourages hunter bugs into the vineyard and maintains the ecosystem.
“We also spoke about the models that we have planted for food source for our wasps outside of the season as well as being certified organic and building nutrients.”
Mr Reschke congratulated the South Australian No Till Farmers Association, which claimed the victory.
“They are helping reduce drought and global warming by getting farmers to keep carbon in their soil,” Mr Reschke said.
“Koonara has been having a great year as we have found going certified organic has increased our sales and many of our customers want wine companies to be responsible with the chemicals they use.”
Koonara’s vineyard program is available for public viewing on its website.
