This gathering is designed to bring growers and winemakers together to reflect on the 2025 growing season and vintage, and to introduce participants to the EcoVineyards program and its vision for ecological and regenerative viticulture across the region.

EcoVineyards is a nationally recognised program supporting winegrape growers to adopt practices that improve biodiversity, soil health, and long-term vineyard resilience. This event marks an important moment to debrief on the season just passed, share honest observations from the vineyard, and begin shaping the direction of the program as it heads into a full spring launch.

The session will be led by Dr Mary Retallack, one of Australia's leading voices in viticulture and agroecology. Mary will provide an overview of the EcoVineyards program, facilitate an open discussion on the season and vintage, and create space for growers to share what they learned, what challenged them, and what they want to explore further.

The afternoon will include a benchmarking session, during which winemakers are invited to bring samples from their vintage for a group tasting and discussion among peers.

Schedule for the day

10:00am– Welcome and morning tea

10:30am – EcoVineyards overview with Dr Mary Retallack, Retallack Viticulture and Ecology

12:00pm – Shared plates lunch

1:00pm – Native insectary plants with Sophie Small, Bellarine Landcare

1:30pm – Open discussion: season and vintage reflections

3:00pm – Vintage benchmarking tasting session

The Diverse Farms, Resilient Catchments - growing diversity and resilience on-farms, in communities and across landscapes project - is supported by the Australian Government through funding from the Natural Heritage Trust under the Climate-Smart Agriculture Program.

Contact the host of EcoVineyards: Season and Vintage reflections with Dr Mary Retallack