The Yangarra philosophy is to produce wines from our single-vineyard estate, that reflect an authentic sense of place.
The property is 170 total hectares, of which nearly 90 hectares are planted to vine. The remaining 80 hectares are preserved for native vegetation and wildlife and is intended to enhance the symbiotic relationship between the vines and their natural environment.
This Video features Peter Fraser, Winemaker Yangarra Estate (RIP)
Yangarra’s combination of rare geologies, moderate altitude, abundant sunshine and cool evening breezes make it perfect for growing varieties that thrive in the moderate maritime Mediterranean environments.
We are devoted to producing wines from the best grape varieties of the southern Rhone, where our old bush vine Grenache is the cornerstone variety. Yangarra Estate is planted with a number of diverse varieties, including traditional grapes like Shiraz and Roussanne to more obscure varieties such as Bourboulenc, Picpoul Noir, Clairette Blanc and Counoise. With a tendency towards experimentation, Yangarra was the first in Australia to commercially plant Grenache Blanc.
Through our biodynamic regenerative farming practices and our sensitive winemaking philosophies our respect of this special piece of country is evident in the wines we make from its grapes – every Yangarra Estate wine is a confident reflection of this land.
Our Vineyard and sustainability:
Biodynamics:
Starting our organic and biodynamic journey in 2008, Yangarra Estate has been certified biodynamic and organic with ‘Australian Certified Organic’ (ACO cert #11587) since 2012. Removing all synthetic herbicides, pesticides and fertilisers on our estate vineyard, we have observed and promoted a natural succession in soil and vine health.
Applying biodynamic preparations in our vineyard, we promote beneficial soil microbial biomass. We aid natural composting processes through mulching grasses under vine back into the soil, building organic matter.
Regular applications of preparation 500 (fermented cow manure buried in cow horns over winter) along with composted winery grape marc containing minor preparations 502-507 (Yarrow flower heads, chamomile flower, stinging nettle, oak bark, dandelion and valerian flowers) all promote a diverse soil microbiology in which our vines grow.
We apply preparation 501 as an atmospheric spray, made from ground quartz crystal which has been buried over summer in cow horns, aiding in light refraction and photosynthesis.
Grazing sheep through winter helps to control grasses throughout the vineyard, naturally fertilising soils and reducing compaction from tractors.
Encouraging Diversity:
Harbouring creeks lined with native vegetation, our estate promotes natural corridors for native and introduced flora and fauna. In the absence of pesticides, we have achieved a diverse balance of beneficial insects and animals throughout our vineyard, where no one species proliferates.
Sustainable Winegrowing Australia - Certified Member
The Australian wine industry is struggling to come to terms with the tragic sudden death of Peter Fraser, chief winemaker and manager of Yangarra Estate in McLaren Vale. He died in a fire at his home in Clarendon on Thursday, November 27. He was just 51.
May he rest in peace our thoughts and prayers are with his family, colleagues and friends.
