The birds …

A blossom by any other name would still taste as sweet. To the silvereye, at least.

When it is late summer, the Marri tree flowers with blossoms. The blossoms cover the trees, and the nectar attracts a local character: the silvereye, a small green bird.

Thousands of silvereyes follow the sweetness of the blossoms. However, if the timing is not right, and the blossoms have not bloomed, an alternative sugar source comes in the form of ripening grapes.

The birds swoop on the grapes to receive their sugar fix. This is a challenge for local vineyards, with crop losses resulting.

Working with nature, we’ve placed exclusion netting covering our vineyards to protect the grapes.

The birds are kept at bay. Our grapes are saved. Your glass is waiting for you.

… And the bees.

Both native and European bees are also drawn to the blossoming Marri tree.

Bees help pollinate the treasured native Australian flora found on our Rocket’s and Calgardup vineyards. Nature’s workers, as they say.

Solitary native bees pollinate through body vibrations, critical for plant regeneration. They hide in topsoil burrows or premade tree holes, while our European bees hive, both thriving in the ecosystem our organic farming practices support.

Come February and March, the southwest landscape of Western Australia is abuzz with signs of Bunuru; the second summer of the local Aboriginal (Noongar) six season calendar.

The European honeybees fill their hives with delicate nectar from the Marri trees that line our vineyards. We harvest the golden Corymbia honey once a year as the marri flowers fall; renowned for its sweet and delicate flavour.

The remaining golden nectar from the flowering of other native flora species is left behind for the bees to savour over winter.

They’re happy. We’re very happy. And happiness makes better wine, pure and simple.