| Tomich Wines have successfully planted 2,000 trees along the river every year over the last 3 years. We have retained our notable “old grown gum trees” some of which are up to 300 years old in three designated areas that are specifically not grazed. This adds 15 acres of a sustainable wildlife corridor which regularly sees kangaroo and deer grazing. This is a fundamental part of our river reclamation environmental plans.
Soil Conservation
Soil improvements are made by natural methods such as mulch additions and composted cow manure – nature’s own fertiliser. The mid rows are sown to a diverse natural sward; including, native grasses, rye grass, clover and legumes that mulch into the soil and improve nitrogen as well as being deep ripped allowing rain to penetrate deep into the soil.
Biodiversity
We encourage biodiversity by allowing a multitude of flora and fauna to thrive in the vineyard providing wildlife habitat and encouraging residency, in addition to cover crops. Running sheep during the winter months as organic ‘lawn mowers’ enhances also this biodiversity.
Organic Approach & Reduction of Synthetic Herbicides
The family’s organic approach is to work with nature treating the vineyard as a whole organism, promoting diversity and allowing a natural balance to develop in the soil. Healthy, stronger vines withstand heat and pest pressures better thus resulting in balanced fruit with minimal inputs.
The application of limited chemicals ensures beneficial insects and mites are retained. Eco-oil is used instead of Sulphur where possible to control mildew and suppress mites. Vineyard health is monitored by the use of spider and worm activity as a biological indicator of this practice. Since changing to an organic approach the vineyard’s orb spider population has grown significantly, assisting the mulching of composted cow manure in spring.
Water Quality & Conservation
In addition to the use of variable frequency drive pumps, which control water and energy usage, conservation techniques used have benefited from the ongoing mid row ripping, water harvesting and mulching strategies. Moisture probes fine tune the water usage with significant savings to the environment.
No Shoot Policy
Working in harmony with the local bird environment, previous shooting policies in the area are not sustainable in the family’s vineyard management program. Subsequently there is a thriving bird population in and around the vineyard, consisting mainly of Magpies, Rosella and Parakeets.
Fruit Quality
“Fruit quality which is reflected in the overall quality of Tomich Wines, is of the utmost importance to the family. The family’s sustainable vineyard practices have been constantly applauded by the local grape growing community. As the vineyard has previously experienced heat waves, winemakers are amazed at how well our vineyard has coped in these conditions, producing superior fruit quality, so much so these vineyard practices are being adopted by the community.” said Randal Tomich.
Carbon Footprint
The Tomich Family has been developing and managing Eucalyptus forests near Coonawarra, South Australia since 1998. The carbon credits from 200 acres of mature eucalypts in the Hundred of Coles, next to Coonawarra are dedicated to offsetting Tomich Wines carbon emissions.
With such strong vineyard ethics and passion, Tomich Wines are a true reflection of the great achievements from their farming history, knowledge and respect for the land.
The Tomich family tenets of innovation, planning and commitment have produced a sustainable Adelaide Hills vineyard, with passion flowing from land to wine glass.
“We practice sustainable farming for the future generations, with Jack Tomich, born in 1998, the 4th generation now showing an interest in our farming, I see myself as a custodian for the next generations.”
———– John Tomich
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