Vineyard
High Eden Estate was founded in 1996, nestled in the highlands of the picturesque Eden Valley. The vineyard spans a modest 6.5ha consisting primarily of Riesling (GM198) - 1997 and the recent addition of red varieties; Gamay (222), Sangiovese (MS1) and Shiraz (R6WV28) - 2024.
The vineyard thrives in soils comprised of sandy loam over fractured rock; ideal terroir for cultivating premium grapes and crafting wines with impressive structure, minerality and natural acidity which will age with grace and composure.
Scattered throughout the vineyard are ancient, majestic gums, iconic to the Eden Valley landscape, enhancing vineyard biodiversity and retaining the natural landscape and heritage.
High Eden Estate practices innovative regenerative land management, where a diverse mix of perennial grasses are cultivated in the vineyard’s mid-row, these grasses are known for their deep rooted characteristics which enhance soil health and permeability. The grasses also help control the spread of invasive plant species, minimising the use of chemicals for weed suppression while promoting soil stability and increasing vineyard biodiversity.
Straw mulch is applied beneath the vines, decreasing dependence on irrigation, improving soil biota and significantly reducing herbicide usage. This mulch retains soil moisture and moderates soil temperature during extreme heat events.
High Eden Estate is a current member of Sustainable Winegrowing Australia and is working toward certification in 2024, providing third-party verification of sustainable practices.
Biodiversity begins with soil health, particularly through the understanding of soil biota. Each initiative supports and complements the other through a minimalist approach. Our Environmental Management System aims to ensure sustainable practices and is founded on continuous improvement that focus on:
Minimising risk of pollution and degradation of land, air and water using best land management practice.
Habitat preservation - protection and restoration of natural habitats for native flora & fauna by continual habitat enhancement and planting native vegetation, supporting local wildlife, birds and insects.
Maintaining wine-grape production standards to maximise quality with minimal intervention.
Enhance soil health and reduce soil erosion by maintaining a permanent sward in the mid-rows, improving soil structure, health, fertility and biodiversity.
Vineyard weed control is maintained through the use of under-vine mulch, livestock grazing during winter and mid-row slashing as required, significantly reducing the requirement for herbicide sprays.
Tractor work is kept to a minimum to reduce soil compaction, tractor passes and diesel consumption.
Windbreaks consist of native trees that provide habitat for birds, reptiles, small mammals and beneficial insects.
No pesticide sprays are used.
Our Approach to Sustainability
High Eden Estate is home to an outstanding array of native wildlife with resident kangaroos, emus and kookaburras and regular sightings of koalas, echidnas and wedge-tailed eagles. Bearded-dragon lizards are often seen in the vineyards, with blue tongue and shingleback lizards more likely to be seen in re-vegetation areas. The under-vine ecosystem supports a plethora of insects and the all important worms. In the dams there are plenty of long-necked tortoises often spotted in spring and summer.
Native grasses are encouraged to grow between the vines and the vineyard hosts a wide range of beneficial insects. Wind breaks consist of native species hosting a range of wildlife. Weed control is largely managed through slashing and undervine mulching.
High Eden Estate’s environmental stewardship is evident in the extensive revegetation that has been undertaken. Native insectary plants such as Christmas Bush (Bursaria spinosa) and Prickly Tea Tree (Leptospermum continentale) are planted adjacent to the vineyard to provide habitat and food sources for beneficial insects. Many native trees and shrubs surround the vineyard, enhancing the landscape and providing habitat for native birds and wildlife.