The aims of this vineyard field soil tour are to relate the soil geochemistry in vineyards planted on the Adelaide plains (1992 Coombe vineyard, Waite Campus) and Willunga Basin (1897 Slate Creek vineyard) to:

·               The genesis of sharp boundaries between red and/or calcareous horizons

·               Grape production and soil carbon sequestration

·               Irrigation water salinity

·               Na and Cl concentrations in berry juice of vines

Besides learning about the soils’ geochemistry, delegates will have a chance to taste and purchase some great wines from two of the region’s best known vineyards, Chalk Hill Wines (McLaren Vale) and Slate Creek Vineyard (Willunga). You will also learn more about the age old debate about how important (or not) the soil (or, as the French would say, the ‘terroir’) is for making a great wine.  

Rob Fitzpatrick (CSIRO) will be the guide for the day.

Field Trip Includes: Bus transportation, talks from the wine makers and tours of vineyard soils, wine tasting, morning tea and lunch, and field guide notes. 

What to bring: You'll need to be wearing sturdy shoes for tours at field sites, and you also need to bring a hat, sun-cream, and have a drink bottle. 

Climate: During spring, rainfall is rare and daytime temperatures are typically 17-30ºC (60s-80s degrees F).

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