Sustainability
We believe every business should create more than it consumes.
To us, sustainability isn’t a destination or a certification. It’s a way of thinking.
It’s valuing the health of our soils as much as the health of our people. It’s building lasting relationships with growers, distributors and the hospitality community. It’s creating a business that remains financially resilient, that encourages the thoughtful enjoyment of wine, and making decisions that leave our land richer, more diverse and more productive than we found it.
Regenerative farming is central to that philosophy, but it is only one expression of it. Every decision, from water use and renewable energy to bottle weight, biodiversity and soil health, forms part of a much broader commitment.
We strive to contribute to the greater good of our community, our environment and our industry, while ensuring Ministry of Clouds remains a thoughtful and resilient business for many years to come.
Farming for the Future
At The Chase, our farming is guided by biology rather than chemistry. We avoid systemic pesticides and have eliminated under vine herbicide spraying, choosing instead to build healthy, living soils through compost, bioactive soil conditioners and recycled grape marc from each vintage.
Mixed cover crops of legumes, cereals and native grasses enhance soil structure, naturally fix nitrogen, suppress weeds and provide habitat for beneficial insects. Sheep graze the vineyard through winter to manage undervine growth, reducing tractor passes, diesel use and soil compaction.
We continue to plant native vegetation and establish wildlife corridors to encourage biodiversity throughout the property, believing healthy vineyards are part of a much larger living landscape.
Water and Energy
Water is one of Australia’s most precious resources. Our vineyard is irrigated using recycled water from the Willunga Basin Water Company, while our winery operates entirely on captured rainwater.
Soil moisture probes allow irrigation to be applied only where and when it is needed, reducing water use while supporting vine balance and fruit quality.
Our winery is powered in large part by an extensive solar installation, reducing our reliance on grid electricity and lowering our overall carbon footprint. We continue to reduce emissions through lighter weight glass bottles and thoughtful decisions throughout our business.
Measuring What Matters
Regenerative farming begins with observation. Our vineyard has been mapped using electromagnetic soil surveying to better understand soil depth, structure, moisture holding capacity and variability across every block. This information guides targeted compost applications, mulching, drainage improvements and irrigation decisions, ensuring every area receives only what it needs.
We regularly measure soil carbon and continue to monitor our environmental performance through Sustainable Winegrowing Australia accreditation and the McLaren Vale Grape Wine & Tourism Association’s carbon measurement programs.
Sustainability isn’t something we claim to have achieved. It’s an ongoing responsibility to our land, our community and the generations who will farm these vineyards long after us.