Regenerative Organic Viticulture
A Living Case Study
In an industry first, Robert Hall Winery will initiate a living case study for the wider wine community to learn about regenerative organic viticulture, comparing the results with our sustainably-farmed vineyards. The trial will be led by Managing Director, Caine Thompson and Kirk Brown, Director of Grower Relations for O'Neill Vintners
The purpose of the study is to understand regenerative organic farming practices and their effect on the vineyards’ ability to sequester carbon and overall quality effects on soil, fruit and wine.
As stewards of our land, we have a desire to constantly improve our soils, fruit and wine while minimizing our environmental impact and overall carbon footprint. Regenerative organic farming aids with this mission.
The regenerative organic viticulture comparative study is set across 40 acres of Robert Hall estate vineyards and will compare all aspects of growing under regenerative organic viticulture v. conventional winegrowing techniques.
The study will occur accross 3 years and will track and measure:
Vineyard
- Organic soil carbon levels
- Soil microbiology
- Pesticide residues
- Organic matter
- Fauna/Flora differences
- Yield
- Brix, pH, TA
- Pest & disease (Botrytis, powdery mildew, mealybug)
Winemaking
- Sensory analysis (weight, structure, aromatic profile)
- Tracking color & tannin indexes throughout fermentation to evaluate extraction
- Phenolic panel on grape & wine samples
The study will be unique in that frequent Field Days will be held at Robert Hall Winery for trade, writers, press and consumers. The Field Days will be an educational hands-on experience explaining and teaching regenerative organic farming.