Anton Groffen
NATURALLY ELEVATED
An advocate for organic and biodynamic farming, Anton believes it’s the best way to grow grapes and make wine in a changing climate.
Originally from the Adelaide Hills, Anton now lives in McLaren Vale, which he loves for its close community and focus on sustainability and the natural environment. “There’s such a strong connection with the ocean and the land and the food,” says Anton. His role as viticulturist for high-profile winery Wirra Wirra sees him travelling to vineyards in three different regions, and fitting in a surf as often as possible.
An organic approach
The ocean plays a big role in Anton’s life. He’s a viticulturist in a region where some vines are no more than a few hundred metres from the sea, and he knows how to take advantage of that maritime influence in the vineyard. When he can, he also starts his day out in the ocean, surfing as the sun comes up.
“There is no better way to start the day,” he says. “The fact that it fits in with being a viticulturist, I think is one of the better parts of my job.”
Back on dry land, Anton’s day can take him to different vineyards throughout McLaren Vale, as well as north into the cool Adelaide Hills or south to the scenic Southern Fleurieu wine region. He travels between Wirra Wirra’s vineyards and the company’s growers, helping to maintain fruit quality and encourage sustainable practices.
Wirra Wirra was established back in 1894 and prospered before falling into disrepair in the late 1920s. It was resurrected in 1969 and today is highly respected for its top quality red and white wines. More than a decade ago, Wirra Wirra started an organic and biodynamic program for managing its vineyards, and in 2013 the vineyards received biodynamic certification.
“Organics and biological management of soils is all about building resilience,” says Anton. “Healthy vines, like healthy people, don’t get sick. So it’s about strengthening the whole system.”
Over the years, Anton has seen firsthand how a changing climate is affecting grape growing and winemaking.
“Some people say the wine industry in Australia is the canary in the cave for climate change,” he says. “What we’ve seen is that the organic and biodynamic vineyards perform really well [in a changing climate] because there is this resilience.”
“Organics is all about building resilience. Healthy vines, like healthy people, don’t get sick.”
– Anton Groffen
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