Grower Q&A: David Stannard
Paradise Rescued was one of the first producers to join our RV Guide and the first welcome a visitor via the Guide. David is super collaborative and happy to share his experiences.
What does ‘regenerative viticulture’ mean to you?
At Paradise Rescued, Regenerative Viticulture is all about the continual restoration and ongoing maintenance of healthy biologically active soils together with their ecosystem – our vineyard.
What was your ‘Aha!’ moment for regen?
Paradise Rescued is built around a ten year rolling Vision – drawn as a picture. Founded in 2010, our first major review was in 2020. When we looked back over our first ten years of operation, we observed a very significant improvement in the quality of our wines – within the first 8 vintages of our B1ockOne varietal Cabernet Franc wines, we had won three Gold medals. And all from a single block vineyard which was waterlogged, almost without grass and saturated in synthetic chemicals at the start.
The key question we asked ourselves was “How can we take our wines to the next level in the next 10 years?” Our philosophy was based around a “healthy vineyard produces great fruit from which excellent wines can be made.” Our vines were healthier, our wines were getting better. The only major variable that we had ignored or failed to best practice benchmark was our vineyard soil.
We did a lot more research and very quickly learnt the difference between soil and dirt. Although we had accidently started to embrace many good practices, it was time to reset our Vision and launch a real Regenerative Viticultural strategy.
What’s the most important change you’ve introduced or that’s made the biggest difference?
Without doubt, the best single decision which transformed our vineyard was to implement organic viticulture from day 1 of operation and then achieve /maintain certification.
Which creature are you most pleased to have encouraged to your land?
Ladybirds.
Who do you turn to when you need support?
All sources on the internet, our vigneron and local network, YouTube and the RVF.
Is there a regen practice that turned out to be super easy and cheap to implement?
Reduce tilling the soil, stop cutting the grass.
What’s your top regen tip?
Stop trying to kill the soil, start improving it.
What would you tell a younger version of yourself, just setting out growing grapes?
Think about the health of my soil. Learn about it, look at it, work on it !
What would an idealised version of a ‘perfect’ regen vineyard feel like?
Alive, healthy to look at, wildlife and diversity in all corners with vines that increasingly take care of themselves without intervention.
Is there a piece of technology that has made a real difference?
No yet! The compost systems and our worm farm will make the real long-term difference. Nature already has the best technology.
Are you currently experimenting with any field trials?
Yes, different natural / biodynamic teas like nettle, comfrey and horsetail. The first year of our worm farm was a success and the first worm compost tea was applied post harvest 2024.
How do you control weeds?
By grass cutting under vines as required and slowly changing the soil conditions to have more fungal dominance that disfavours grass production.
How do you control fungal diseases?
We currently use low dosage rates of organic products eg Copper compounds. Ideally long term, we would like a copper free solution. Post fungal outbreak treatment with biodynamic / natural organic teas, eg Horsetail and oak bark showed positive results in 2024.
What have you done to slow down and store water on your land?
By simply slowly creating healthier soil, preventing compaction, reducing tractor traffic, increasing biological activity. We can now feel the spongy absorbency of the soil when it rains. Our neighbours have large puddles!
What do you listen to while you’re working?
In the vineyard – nature. In the winery – silence. In the kitchen when cooking – rock and roll. In bed – just happy dreams.
What’s your most expensive mistake?
Failing to systematically learn and understand fast enough from our previous mistakes.
If you had a superpower what would it be?
An organic natural replacement for Copper based spray treatments.
Dream dinner party (people not wine!)
Nicole Masters, Elaine Ingram, Aubert de Villaine, John C Maxwell, Gary Vaynerchuk. At least two of them will be expected to bring (good) wine!
