Sustainability
St Maur is comprised of a total of 180 acres of which 16 acres are planted to classic Bordeaux grape varieties. The estate includes a large lake planted with natural eucalyptus trees and imported specimen trees fenced off for local wildlife and fauna. We believe the diversity of the property contribute to the high quality and uniqueness of the fruit. The vineyard was chosen for its aspect and that for many years St Maur operated as a dairy farm milking 400 cows twice daily, with the manure from the feeding sheds and milking stalls spread over not just the vineyard but most of the farm.
St Maur is very proud share that we promote and implement sustainable winegrowing practices to protect our soil, air and water – elements that breathe life and ultimately flavour, into our grapes and wines. Being good stewards of the land and good neighbours are principles St Maur live by each and every day. Adopting environmentally and socially responsible practices and making them an integral part of how we do business is our way of ensuring the health of our land and our community for generations to come.
Our Mother Nature
The most important lesson in diversity learned at St Maur is the need to keep the soil alive with a variety of plant life. From its very inception, the vineyard has been maintained a strict criteria of care for the soil and the environment.
Mulching between the vines creates soil amendments by using old vine cutting and plant material that is then tilled back into the soil, is an element to producing a healthy vine. Building soil fertility on the premise a healthy soil produces healthy plants which are more resilient to pests and disease and have higher nutritional value.
Our Animals
From late autumn, once harvest is completed, we allow our Suffolk sheep to spend the winter grazing in the vineyard. The sheep are there to eat the grass and in return we are rewarded with a natural fertiliser which again building soil fertility and healthier vines. If you see chickens around the vineyard, it’s not because they escaped their coop but used to control destructive insects, weeds and provide natural/ organic fertilizer to the soil.
Water & Energy
At St. Maur, we collect and re-use rain water for washing and operations of the winery. In an effort to reduce carbon footprints and keep it economical, St Maur fully operates and run on solar energy. Conserving energy has double benefits as it reduces greenhouse gas emissions and keeps farming costs in check.
