As chief viticulturist for Gemtree, Melissa’s ideas centre on the importance of sustainability. Being a staunch consumer and user of organic products, Melissa advocated that the removal of herbicides and many synthetic chemicals from the vineyard would produce better tasting fruit and ultimately lead to high quality wines.
Gemtree became fully certified organic in November 2011. Melissa follows a biodynamic regime and incorporating sheep into the management techniques is just one example of Melissa’s unique approach to viticulture and the focus on better outcomes for the environment.
