The Farm
The Vigneron & the Vineyard

THE VIGNERON & THE VINEYARD

Prior to setting up the Canonbah Bridge Wines vineyard, Vigneron Shane McLaughlin studied Viticulture at Sydney University and did extensive research in Spain, Portugal, California, South Africa and Europe. He was fortunate enough to have traveled with (renowned viticulture expert) Dr Richard Smart.

"Visiting Spain gave me a lot of confidence. There I saw grapes growing in a much harsher climate than we have here - they really relish the heat. In fact this is such a healthy climate for grapes that we have never sprayed the vines with any chemicals or insecticides."

Varietal selection was one of the most important aspects of the vineyard's development, also special attention was given to canopy management. "We had to choose varieties that would produce the right style of wine in this climate." Shane settled on Semillon, Verdelho, Shiraz, Merlot, Grenache and Mourvedre.

The Merryanbone Vineyard is drip irrigated and fully computerised. This enables careful monitoring of water usage, fertigation and quality control of the crop. The 'Enviroscan' technology facilitates exact stressing of the vines at certain times of the growing season to heighten quality (although quantity is reduced).