Mill About Vineyard

19/09/2026

can't keep up with all that's happening in the Barossa and nearby towns https://sites.google.com/view/millaboutvineyard/newsletter

09/09/2026

A snapshot of some of the events around the Barossa in the coming months. See more in the newsletter archive on the Mill About Vineyard website

13/08/2026

just a few of the many events around the Barossa - handpicked with our Bonza guests in mind — all three events are a short drive from Mill About Vineyard
https://sites.google.com/view/millaboutvineyard/newsletter

08/08/2026

enjoying a getaway in vibrant Norwood and beautiful Adelaide CBD. Very lucky to be able to "split" my personality across 3 lifestyles: Barossa, Adelaide, and Melbourne :-)

31/07/2026

https://sites.google.com/view/millaboutvineyard/newsletter

26/07/2026

cats & wine time

24/07/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1BwgFgvwAx/

Researchers tested an agrivoltaic system by installing solar panels above a Mediterranean vineyard to see whether the same land could produce both electricity and high-quality grapes. Instead of reducing farm productivity, the system created a beneficial microclimate for both the vines and the solar panels.

The partial shade from the panels protected the grapevines from intense sunlight and heat during the hottest parts of the day. As a result, the grapes developed better acidity—an important factor for producing balanced, high-quality wine—while the overall grape harvest remained virtually unchanged.

The relationship worked both ways. The grapevines released moisture into the air through transpiration, naturally cooling the environment around the solar panels. Since solar panels operate more efficiently at lower temperatures, this cooling effect helped improve their electrical performance.

The findings show that agriculture and solar power do not always have to compete for land. With careful design, agrivoltaic systems can support crop production, improve crop quality, and generate clean electricity from the same area, making farmland more productive overall.

Researchers believe this approach could become increasingly valuable in regions facing hotter summers and more frequent heatwaves due to climate change. By combining vineyards with solar installations, farmers may be able to protect their crops, maintain yields, and produce renewable energy at the same time.

Source:
Finding of Agrivoltaics Experiments in Vineyard at the University of Melbourne Dookie Campus in Victoria, Australia - July 2026
Finding Published in journal Plants & People

16/07/2026

Welcome to Sammy and Julie - rescue brother and sister. Named after July and my friend Julia, and Sam Neill. Still a bit anxious, but soon will be following us around the property, like our dear Zorro and Obi used to do

07/06/2026

Soak up the good life at It's Bonza at Mill About Vineyard. Picture yourself on the rustic timber veranda, wine in hand, autumn vines colours and golden afternoon light. Our charming corrugated iron and timber tourist cabin blends country soul with relaxed elegance - the perfect backdrop for unforgettable moments

09/05/2026

maybe we'll trial the Xynisteri, a resilient ancient Cypriot white winegrape variety

In an Australian first, two South Australian winegrape growers are trialling an ancient variety from Cyprus that is reducing water consumption and reconnecting them to their Mediterranean roots.