A Dry Argument: Decisions for a Drying Climate in the Barossa and Clare Valley is supporting wine grape growers to make practical business and vineyard management decisions in response to increasing climate variability, water scarcity and economic pressure. Through workshops, one-on-one advisory support, demonstration activities and timely seasonal information, the project is helping growers improve drought preparedness, optimise vineyard management and build long-term resilience.

Project description: 

Wine grape growers across the Barossa and Clare Valley continue to face the combined challenges of reduced water availability, increasing production costs and greater climate variability. This project brings together Barossa Australia, the Clare Valley Wine and Grape Association and Wine Australia to deliver practical support that helps growers make informed decisions before seasonal and economic pressures escalate.

The project combines specialist workshops, vineyard field walks, one-on-one business and viticultural consultations, demonstration activities and seasonal communications. Topics include irrigation management, water budgeting, vineyard soil health, climate adaptation, business decision-making and strategies for reducing production costs while maintaining vineyard performance under increasingly dry conditions.

Key achievements and results: 

Project Update – August 2026

The project has established a coordinated extension program across the Barossa and Clare Valley, providing growers with practical support to improve drought preparedness, vineyard management and business decision-making. Activities have focused on responding to current seasonal conditions while building longer-term resilience through improved water management, soil health and financial planning.

Growers have shown strong demand for tailored, property-specific advice alongside practical workshops and seasonal information. One-on-one consultations and timely technical communications have enabled producers to make more informed decisions around irrigation, vineyard inputs, business management and responding to seasonal challenges.

Project progress includes:

• Delivered vineyard field walks and workshops covering irrigation management, water budgeting, vineyard management and soil health, providing practical information to improve water use efficiency and vineyard resilience.
• Provided one-on-one viticultural and business advisory support to Barossa and Clare Valley wine grape growers, helping businesses make informed decisions around vineyard management, input costs and prioritising vineyard blocks during challenging seasonal and economic conditions.
• Produced additional CropWatch bulletins in response to significant seasonal events including frost, disease risk and pre-harvest rainfall, providing growers with timely management information to support rapid decision-making.
• Progressed demonstration activities investigating circular economy opportunities and vineyard management innovations, with further monitoring and extension activities continuing throughout the project.
• Strengthened collaboration between Barossa Australia, Clare Valley Wine and Grape Association and Wine Australia to deliver coordinated drought resilience activities tailored to the needs of wine grape growers across both regions.

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