How Vinesignal empowered Koonara Wines to overcome rising costs
THE CHALLENGE
Dru Reschke, owner of Koonara Wines vineyard in the Coonawarra region of Australia, was in a predicament. The ongoing wet conditions were causing disease in his vineyard, and the solutions to address it were increasingly costly. After Dru’s father fell ill, attributing his cancer to chemicals used in the vineyard, Dru was determined to find a healthier, sustainable approach to vineyard management. However, going organic in such a climate seemed impossible. Even his viticulturist resigned, believing the task too daunting.
THE SOLUTION
Determined to find a solution, Dru discovered Deep Planet’s innovative Vinesignal platform: an AI-powered satellite platform that offers vineyard owners real-time insights into their vineyard's health. Once Dru tested it for himself, he immediately recognised Vinesignal as a means to regain control over his vineyard by making data-driven decisions. Vinesignal provided Dru with detailed dashboards on vine and soil health, as well as water and harvest management, highlighting issues with over 90% accuracy.
ACTION & IMPACT
VineSignal’s visual dashboards helped Dru identify where improvements could be made, such as which blocks needed more nutrients. And while neighboring vineyards resorted to spraying fungicides seven times or more, Koonara Wines, guided by Vinesignal's precise data, applied just one round of organic fungicide.
Vinesignal helped Koonara Wines:
Reduce the spread of disease through active monitoring of vine health, contributing to better quality grapes.
Conserve more water during drier months by 60%, as a result of monitoring soil and vine moisture.
Improve overall soil and vine health as a result of NPK and carbon monitoring.
Reduce vineyard operating costs by 30%
OPPORTUNITY FOR OTHER VINEYARDS
Dru Reschke's journey stands as a testament for the wine industry, proving that vineyards can harmoniously blend tradition and regenerative methods with technology to reduce operating costs and improve efficiency. For Dru, it was more than just a business success; it was a promise fulfilled to his father, showcasing that sustainable, organic practices can thrive with the right tools and determination.
Learn more about Koonara Wines.
