While some details may have changed since this case study
was undertaken, the principles and the positive outcomes, both
financial and environmental, remain the same and are transferable
to any business.
 Thornborough
Estate (George Girgolas)
Company profile
Vigneron Mr George Girgolas was Yalumba’s ‘Grower of
the Year’ in 2000 and currently manages two sites in Virginia
totalling 153 hectares.
Manufacturing processes
Mr Girgolas grows Chardonnay, Zinfandel, Viognier, Cabernet Sauvignon,
Shiraz, Merlot, Malbec, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, and Semillon.
The trellises used are mainly single wire with some double wire
vertical and foliage wires. The posts used are predominantly treated
pine. All varieties of vines are drip irrigated. Water is supplied
from two sources:
- Recycled wastewater (on the new block)piped from Bolivar –
approximately 364 million litres/year; and
- Two underground bores (on the old site)- approximately 105
million litres/year.
Pruning is generally done by hand with some mechanical assistance.
The cuttings are swept into mid-rows and then they are mulched.
An automated straw mulching machine is used for the application
of additional straw mulch in the vineyard.
Bird control is effected through the use of gas guns and electronic
devices. Grapes are harvested mechanically using a Pellenc self
propelled harvester purchased by the business that also fulfils
a number of other tasks. With the appropriate attachments this
machine is able to complete three rows at time when spraying,
saving time and money. The young vines are always hand picked.
Fruit is delivered to Yalumba via truck and trailer.
 Link
to Yalumba
Mr Girgolas produces white and red grape varieties for Yalumba.
Action undertaken
An eco-efficiency audit was conducted at Thornborough Estate
in March 2002 that inspected and reviewed the company facilities
and activities. This included assessment of the:
- Supply chain (transportation and logistics)
- Inputs including energy usage (electricity, gas), and water
usage
- Outputs including waste generation, and products
The main objectives for future development and implementation
by Thornborough were:
- reduced water evaporation
- more efficient use of chemicals
The following table provides a summary of the Action Plan.
| AREA |
ACTION |
POTENTIAL BENEFITS |
| Irrigation |
Investigate partial root zone drying techniques and continue
with subsurface irrigation and night time irrigation. |
Reduced evaporation losses and therefore water consumption
and salt loads. |
| |
Possible introduction of windrows. |
|
| Chemical Spraying |
Avoid spraying during windy days. Use under vine spraying
and mechanical weeding techniques. |
More efficient use of chemicals. |
Mulch/compost
|
Place mulch or composted materials under the vines. |
Suppress weed growth and reduce evaporation from surface
soils thereby reducing water consumption. Improved water retention
in treated soils. |
Project outcomes
As a result of the project Thornborough has received direct cost
savings and identified the following specific outcomes:
Environmental benefits
Installation of soil moisture monitoring equipment - reducing
electricity used and water consumption. Reduced chemical spray
by 50%. Use of mulch/compost has resulted in a reduction in water,
chemical (herbicide), electricity and fossil fuel use.
Economic benefits
Cost savings on chemical spraying has resulted in a saving estimated
at $20,000 per year. Use of mulch has improved soil quality and
moisture retention - cost savings unquantified.
Other issues that have arisen include:
Overall the project was considered by Thornborough Estate to
be a success. As a result of the GBAP, Thornborough Estate has
received direct cost savings through the purchase of a Pellenc
Turnesol weeder. It has reduced chemical spraying by 50% with
a corresponding cost saving of approximately $20,000 per year
(almost paid for cost of weeder in first year).
This page was last modified 23-10-2007
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