The ERA Viticulture Programme begins by addressing general soil chemistry and nutrient availability. Selected chemical, mineral and organic fertilisers are blended in order to deliver balanced nutrition. Fertility programmes may also be amended to cater for organic vineyards. Leaf blade and petiole tests are assessed during the growing season to ensure that desirable levels of macro and micronutrients are present in the vines.

The ERA Viticulture Programme focuses on stimulating vineyard soils to improve or restore biological diversity. The production of high quality grapes requires an intimate balance between vegetative growth and yield. To achieve this balance it is necessary to promote an environment where vines have a managed supply of water and nutrients. A healthy, well structured soil is vital for the storage and exchange of moisture and nutrients. When mineral uptake and moisture availability are mediated by a healthy soil biota the vines are less likely to suffer from nutrient imbalance or disease.

Grape quality parameters such as sugar level, acidity, must pH, colour, bouquet and tannin levels are optimized when the vines are physiologically balanced. Consistent with all biological farming programmes the ERA Viticulture Programme parallels soil chemical fertility with biologically based inputs. After analysing the existing soil chemistry and organic matter content, the ERA/UWA soil bioassay is used to measure soil biological activity. By measuring the biological status of the soil we can assess the capacity of a site to meet production goals whilst reducing expensive or harmful chemical inputs.

Grape vines thrive in environments which are dominant in beneficial soil fungi. Beneficial soil fungi, such as mycorrhiza, form special associations with plant roots and effectively increase the area of soil available to the plant. Mycorrhizal associations are known to increase the uptake of nutrients such as phosphorous and zinc as well as improving soil structure and moisture availability. Other fungi and certain bacteria may also protect the vine against pathogenic organisms. While it may not be possible to completely eliminate fungicide use, a biologically diverse soil or leaf surface is certainly disease suppressive. The ERA/UWA soil bioassay provides a basis for tailoring biological programmes which generate microbial diversity in a vineyard. Through organised training workshops programme members receive valuable education relating to the function of different soil organisms and the role they play in soil fertility.

The ERA Viticulture Programme is committed to the sustainable production of premium quality grapes.