Dog Point's vineyards are certified organic under the BioGro New Zealand Programme which is an independent certification process established to promote environmentally friendly, sustainable and responsible practices.
One of the initiatives we carry out as part of our organic regime is the turning of vine prunings and winery waste into mulch to create a healthy organic compost for use on plantings throughout the property. We also collect leachate from this process and apply it to the vineyards as a fertiliser to help conserve moisture and improve the soil structure.
In spring we plant cover crop such as buckwheat and phacelia between the vines to encourage beneficial insects for biological control of insect pests. And over the winter months, 2,500 sheep and 25 steers are brought onto the property to keep the grass and weeds down, and to add organic matter to the soil.
These organic philosophies drive our approach to wine making and help ensure the vines are at their best for next year's harvest.
