Its silver-green leaves whisper stories of ancient civilizations and the fertile Mediterranean. Today, olive oil is cherished for its taste and versatility—but equally for the deep cultural heritage infused into every drop. As with grape growing, olive oil production is a craft rooted in place. Across millennia, the art has evolved—balancing respect for time-honoured traditions with bold innovations that ensure quality, sustainability, and commercial viability.
This is a story not just of olives, but of land, people, and possibility.
Olive oil’s history dates back over 8,000 years to the Eastern Mediterranean. Ancient Greeks considered the olive tree sacred. Romans spread its cultivation throughout their empire, embedding it into daily life—for food, medicine, cosmetics, light, and ritual. In those early days, olive oil was the product of deep connection between families and their land. Harvests were communal events, tied to festivals and feasting. Growers passed down through generations, imprinting each grove with their unique fingerprint.
Traditional olive growing demanded knowledge, patience, and physical effort. Trees thrived in poor soils on terraced hillsides. Harvesting was by hand—painstaking but precise. The oil was extracted using stone mills and wooden presses, then settled in amphorae. The result: a product rich in character and deeply tied to its origin. This artisanal approach, though beautiful, is increasingly difficult to sustain commercially in today’s fast-paced global market. But its principles—care, seasonality, respect for the land—still offer guidance.
Modern olive oil production has entered a new phase, marrying science with tradition. Driven by climate change, labour shortages, and rising consumer expectations, producers are rethinking how we grow and process olives. Using satellite imaging, drones, and soil sensors, growers can monitor groves with precision. Trees are bred for local climates and pest resistance. Pruning waste is recycled. These methods support soil health, biodiversity, and flavour expression—without compromising commercial outcomes.
Modern groves are increasingly planted in super-high-density (SHD) formations, with trees grown hedgerow-style to allow for mechanical harvesting. Over-row harvesters move efficiently through the rows, reducing labour pressure, increasing consistency, and lowering operating costs. While this model is highly effective in suitable terrain, hand-harvesting remains essential for ancient groves or rugged sites where machines cannot operate.
Gone are the traditional stone mills and presses. Today’s top producers use stainless steel centrifuges and temperature-controlled systems that protect the oil’s integrity. These modern mills extract oil more efficiently and hygienically, with rigorous monitoring of quality parameters like acidity, oxidation, and polyphenol content—ensuring only the finest oils meet “extra virgin” standards.
Today’s producers are also innovating beyond the grove and mill. Light- and oxygen-proof packaging extends shelf life and preserves flavour. Blockchain traceability is emerging, allowing consumers to follow their oil back to the grove. Direct-to-consumer channels—online sales, tastings, and agritourism—are bringing buyers closer to producers, enhancing brand transparency and building lasting loyalty.
McLaren Vale is world-renowned for its wine. But monoculture brings risk—especially in uncertain times. The region’s Mediterranean climate, secure water access, and established production infrastructure make it ideally suited to super-high-density olive groves. The systems are here. The land is ready. The skills of viticulture—terroir, timing, and taste—translate naturally to olive growing.
Diversification isn’t just an economic hedge. It’s a chance to future-proof our farms. To regenerate soils. To create premium products with deep cultural roots and global market appeal.
Overall, we must start thinking in generational timeframes—not just for ourselves, but for the land, the people, and the communities we serve. By integrating olives into our agricultural systems, we reintroduce resilience, create new value streams, and reconnect with a food culture that stretches back thousands of years.
Olive trees teach us patience. They ask us to slow down and look forward. Let’s honour the past by planting for the future.
In recent travels across Europe, I immersed myself in both ancient and modern olive oil practices. One striking example was the Archaeological Museum of Istria, in Croatia. There, centuries-old Roman amphorae and oil presses revealed a world of innovation powered by people, animals, and sea trade. The region remains respected for its quality olive oil—rooted in heritage but responsive to change. In contrast, Spain’s super-high-density systems revealed what’s possible today. Trees planted as hedges. Mechanical harvesters. Efficient transport and centralised processing. A model not of nostalgia, but of viability.
About the Author
Ben Pridham
CEO, Pridham Viticulture
Raised on the land, Ben has spent a lifetime working with nature’s rhythms. His experience across diverse landscapes has shaped a holistic view of agriculture—one that values trust, collaboration, and respect for both tradition and innovation.
After a challenging finish to 2024–25 under El Niño and an unusually prolonged summer, meaningful rainfall didn’t arrive until June. While the recent downpour has brought welcome relief—recharging tanks and topping up soil moisture—it hasn’t erased the pressures from earlier in the year.
According to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM), we’ve now moved into a neutral El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) phase. There’s a 30–35% chance of La Niña forming later this year, but for now, there’s no strong signal toward a wetter or drier season. The Indian Ocean Dipole also remains neutral, meaning we’re not receiving the additional moisture often linked to its negative phase.
Many growers hoped for a break around Anzac Day that never arrived. That delay pushed seeding later and limited early-season ground preparation. The dry start also coincided with a key phase in vine physiology. Vines shift carbohydrates from leaves and canes into root systems to support winter dormancy – in stressed vines, this process may not work effectively.
As a result, growers could see uneven budburst or weaker canopies this spring. These conditions followed a high-stress end to the last growing season. Growers can expect variability across blocks—especially near headlands, trees, and lighter soils. This variation affects spray timing, nutrition decisions, and labour planning.
The dry finish to the 2024–25 season pushed many growers in the Adelaide Hills and Fleurieu Peninsula to the brink of water availability. Tanks and dams ran dry, carting services were stretched thin, and some properties experienced delivery delays of up to eight weeks. These challenges highlight the necessity for proactive water management.
Assessing and enhancing water infrastructure, such as increasing storage capacity and improving irrigation efficiency, are crucial steps to mitigate the risks of future shortages. Additionally, exploring alternative land uses for underperforming blocks, like converting to Super High-Density (SHD) olive production, can offer more sustainable and water-efficient options.
With the season likely to move quickly once conditions warm, winter remains a key period for getting ahead. Prioritise pruning, trellis repairs, vine training, and irrigation maintenance. In young or recently replanted blocks, this is also an ideal time to revisit training structure, reapply mulch, and shore up soil health with compost or nutrition programs.
Soil testing now can guide early-season fertiliser decisions and help balance nutrient availability before budburst. Laying this groundwork over winter ensures the vineyard is set up to respond efficiently when the growing season kicks off.
With no strong seasonal signal, adaptability will be key. Many growers are investing in efficient battery-powered tools like Felco and Pellenc to reduce reliance on fuel and increas labour efficiency. Others are taking a close look at vineyard performance across the board—making practical decisions about where to concentrate resources and where changes might be due. For vineyards under pressure, small shifts in winter planning can have a big impact in spring.
We may be in a neutral ENSO phase, but the memories of last season are still fresh. While we can’t control the weather, we can control how well prepared we are for whatever comes next.
If you’d like support reviewing your winter–spring strategy—from labour planning to irrigation or block conversion—get in touch.
Book a site visit or give us a call to discuss your seasonal priorities.
But for our team, this is one of the most important seasons of the year. While the vines recharge, we get to work behind the scenes, laying the groundwork for a strong and sustainable growing season ahead.
Much of the work we do in winter is about renewal — not just for the vines, but for the soil, the infrastructure, and the broader vineyard system. This is the season where thoughtful investment in maintenance, soil health and planning quietly shapes the quality of the fruit we’ll harvest months from now.
Winter pruning is the cornerstone of a healthy, balanced crop. It sets the tone for the entire season, influencing how much fruit each vine will carry, how well the canopy will grow, and how air and light will move through the block. Pruning also helps us manage disease risk and vine vigour. Each block within a vineyard has its own unique character, so we take the time to consider site history, block performance and seasonal trends before making the first cut.
While our pruning crews are in the vineyard, it’s also a chance to assess and maintain infrastructure. Posts that have shifted or snapped over the season are removed and replaced, reinforcing the backbone of the trellis system. At the same time, we move and retention the wires — often a subtle task, but one that pays off in spring when young shoots need support. These quiet fixes may seem small, but they make a big difference during budburst, canopy management and harvest.
Once pruning is underway, attention turns to the soil. At Pridham Viticulture, we take a regenerative approach — building healthy soils that retain water, cycle nutrients, and support biodiversity. Over winter, we spread organic-based fertilisers tailored to the needs of each block, replenishing what the vines have used over the previous season. Mulching plays a key role too, helping retain moisture, suppress weeds, and create a protective buffer for soil life.
In suitable areas, we also plant cover crops — carefully selected mixes of legumes, cereals, and grasses. These plants are more than just green groundcover; they actively work to improve soil structure, fix nitrogen, and prevent erosion. Once established, cover crops create a living link between seasons, adding organic matter and strengthening the root zone.
All of this work supports our long-term goal: vineyards that are not only productive but ecologically resilient.
With the vines at rest, winter provides a window to make larger infrastructure changes without disrupting vineyard operations. We often use this time to assess and repair irrigation systems, replacing lines, flushing out emitters, or redesigning layouts to improve water use efficiency. These works are easier to complete now than in the middle of summer when every drop counts.
In recent years, more of our clients have chosen to make broader vineyard upgrades during this window — whether that’s reworking a block layout, converting to new trellis configurations, or trialling new varieties. Winter gives us the breathing space to approach these projects properly, without interfering with the growing season.
Winter weeds can gain a foothold quickly if left unchecked. We aim to manage them early using a mix of mechanical control and targeted spraying, depending on site conditions and client preference. Mechanical weeding helps reduce herbicide reliance and keeps soil biology more intact, especially important when working toward a more regenerative system. Keeping weeds down in winter also reduces pressure in spring, saving time and input costs later on.
No two winters are exactly the same, but the core of our approach stays consistent. We use this season to invest in vineyard health, build stronger systems, and make careful choices that support both productivity and sustainability.
Every post replaced, every wire tensioned, every handful of mulch or seed sown is part of a broader commitment to farming in a way that cares for the land. Winter work might not be the most visible part of the season, but it’s the foundation everything else is built on. All of this winter vineyard work adds up to healthier vines, better fruit, and a system that can adapt to whatever the season brings. Our approach is grounded in regenerative principles and aligned with national frameworks like Sustainable Winegrowing Australia.
If you’re looking ahead to winter works in your own vineyard, or simply curious about how we support vine health year-round, we’d love to have a conversation.
Pellenc’s new C3X electric pruning shears are designed for professionals who demand more from their tools—more performance, more precision, and more innovation. With a redesigned ergonomic body, app-based smart tracking, and enhanced safety systems, the C3X brings the future of pruning into your hands.
Whether you’re upgrading from an older model or exploring electric tools for the first time, the C3X delivers a smarter, safer, and more productive experience from the first cut to the last.
Firstly, the C3X features a new, streamlined body for better balance, grip, and long-day comfort. Its lighter, more compact shape reduces operator fatigue—especially during long hours in the field.
Equally, the faster and more responsive blade system delivers 30% more cutting power than its predecessor—resulting in fewer jams, cleaner cuts, and improved efficiency across all tasks; perfect for hardwood, canes, or rapid cutting cycles.
At the heart of the C3X is Pellenc’s new RFID user recognition system, paired with the Pellenc app. Each operator can be assigned to a specific tool, unlocking real-time data tracking and improved tool oversight.
With the app, you can:
Easily track usage patterns and cut counts per operator
Monitor battery cycles and remaining runtime
Schedule maintenance alerts before issues arise
This smart integration gives teams and contractors greater visibility across tool fleets, helping reduce downtime and improve operational planning.
Supplied with three ALPHA LITE batteries, the C3X delivers full-day autonomy in the field. These high-performance batteries are compact, lightweight, and fast-charging—ideal for long pruning sessions without fatigue.
When paired with the Pellenc app, you can monitor battery health, charge cycles, and usage stats in real time. With three batteries included, crews can rotate power seamlessly across shifts with minimal disruption.
Pellenc’s Active Security system is a standout safety feature. It works by detecting the natural conductivity of human skin—if contact occurs, the blade stops instantly in under a millisecond.
The system is active across all blade types and cutting modes. For added protection, the C3X is compatible with the Activ’ Security Glove, which improves detection through silver thread woven into the glove fabric.
With extremely low vibration, responsive trigger control, and ergonomic design, the C3X ensures both safety and comfort—no matter the conditions.
Every detail of the C3X is designed with productivity in mind. Interchangeable blades let you adapt the tool to different pruning applications, from viticulture to tree maintenance.
The quick-change blade locking system simplifies on-site servicing, helping crews stay efficient during peak season. Every component is built for reliability in tough conditions, making the C3X a practical, field-ready investment.
In our latest video, we walk through the C3X’s new features—including the redesigned body, RFID pairing, and LONGLIFE® label.
Ready to upgrade your pruning tools? The Pellenc C3X is available now for in-person demonstrations; whether you’re managing a team or working solo, we’ll help you determine if it’s the right fit for your pruning program.
➡ Contact us to book a demo today
➡ View full product details and buy online
South Australia has a long tradition of fruit growing, with McLaren Vale recognised not only for its wines, but historically for its orchards of apples, pears, cherries, and stone fruit. In the early 1900s, mixed farms and small-scale fruit blocks dotted the region, supplying local markets and supplementing income from grape growing. Over time, the pressure from urban expansion, shifting commodity prices, and water limitations pushed many orchardists to pivot or consolidate. By the early 2000s, vineyards had become dominant—but the story of fruit growing in the region was far from over.
In the past decade, a quiet resurgence in high-value orchard crops has taken root across the Vale and surrounding areas. With rising demand for premium cherries, niche apples, and pome fruits for local and export markets, growers have begun to reinvest in orchard infrastructure. This modern wave of orchard management, however, faces vastly different challenges to those of past generations.
One of the most pressing is climate volatility. Data from the Bureau of Meteorology (2024) shows an upward trend in summer maximum temperatures, with McLaren Vale now experiencing over 30 days above 30°C each year on average. Heat stress, sunburn, and storm damage are not just seasonal threats; they are ongoing operational risks. Similarly, bird pressure has intensified, with native and introduced species adapting rapidly to food availability, particularly in rural-urban fringe agricultural zones.
To manage these challenges, growers have looked to permanent netting structures—not as a seasonal fix, but as critical infrastructure. Reflections shared by APAL (2019) highlight that orchards under netting in the Adelaide Hills recorded a 40% lift in marketable yield and up to a 75% reduction in sunburn-related downgrades. These figures are echoed by several McLaren Vale growers trialling netting across cherry and pome fruit blocks. In addition to quality improvements, netting has enabled improved labour efficiency, extended harvest windows, and better working conditions.
Unlike temporary netting, which can be labour-intensive and vulnerable to weather events, structural netting systems are engineered to withstand South Australia’s variable conditions. This includes integrated tensioning systems, anchor foundations, and designs that factor in airflow and pollination access.
While no longer supported by state grant programs as of 2024, the shift toward permanent netting continues to gain momentum. For many orchardists, it’s about futureproofing—ensuring that fruit growing remains viable in a region known for both its heritage and its adaptability.
As the landscape of McLaren Vale continues to evolve, structural netting represents more than just crop protection. It’s a commitment to resilience, quality, and the continued story of fruit growing in one of South Australia’s most dynamic agricultural regions.
Contact Us
Want to learn more about structural netting options for your orchard? Contact our team for a tailored consultation.
This innovative approach to olive cultivation is rapidly gaining traction across Australia’s wine regions—and for good reason.
In regions like McLaren Vale and the Adelaide Hills, vineyard operators are facing rising labour costs, unpredictable yields, and market saturation. SHD olive production offers a compelling solution. These systems utilise the same trellising layouts, machinery, and agronomic know-how familiar to vineyard managers, creating an efficient pathway for crop diversification without the need to overhaul existing infrastructure.
Super high-density systems have revolutionised olive farming with impressive benefits:
Higher Yields, Faster Returns: SHD groves yield 12.4–24.7 tonnes/hectare—double or more than traditional systems—with full production reached in just 3–4 years.
Complete Mechanisation: Using modified grape harvesters, entire orchards can be picked in hours, slashing harvest labour costs by up to 90%.
Efficient Land Use: With up to 2,075 trees per hectare, SHD groves maximise productive land use—ideal for blocks struggling to return profit.
Premium Oil Quality: Uniform ripening and early harvest windows allow for consistent, high-grade olive oil suited to both domestic and export markets.
Originally developed in Spain, SHD systems are perfectly suited to South Australia’s mediterranean climate. They thrive under familiar fertigation regimes, align with existing IPM strategies, and require significantly less water per tonne of fruit than many grape varieties.
From an operational perspective, SHD olives offer faster capital recovery (5–7 years to profitability), improved risk management, and scalability—making them attractive not only to growers but also to investors seeking resilient agricultural assets.
The transition from vines to olives doesn’t signal defeat—it represents adaptation. As landholders look for more reliable returns and long-term sustainability, SHD olive groves present a smart, strategic next step. At Pridham Viticulture, we’re seeing firsthand the opportunities this model creates—and we’re ready to help growers navigate the path from grape to grove.
Contact us to discuss site suitability, project planning, and long-term management strategies.
Particularly in regions like McLaren Vale, where El Niño years can bring drier conditions and higher temperatures, fungicide spraying becomes indispensable. These weather patterns can lead to water stress in vineyards, hampering nutrient absorption and growth regulation in vines. Warmer temperatures can also accelerate grape ripening, affecting sugar levels, acidity and aromatic complexity.
This year, the weather has been unusually warm, causing vine development to outpace previous seasons. Recent overcast weather has been favourable for powdery mildew infections, which we’ve seen beginning to form within the vine canopies. If you experienced significant Powdery Mildew infections last year, it’s crucial to monitor your vines closely for flagshoots and leaf infections. Implementing effective spray coverage is essential to prevent further spread! Our commitment to sustainable practices and client well-being drives us to provide specific advice tailored to your vineyard’s needs.
While we’ve recently had some much-needed rainfall, it’s essential to remember that we’re still behind the long-term average for precipitation. This rainfall has boosted soil moisture levels, but we’re nearly 200mm behind last season. As we head into summer, maintaining a vigilant fungicide spraying regimen remains crucial to vineyard health and productivity.
At Pridham Viticulture, our three decades of experience in the wine industry have taught us that adapting to changing conditions and embracing innovative solutions is key to success in vineyard management. Get in touch to learn more about the benefits of a custom fungicide spray program.
A well-maintained bore delivers high-quality water that is crucial for crop health. Contaminated water can introduce pathogens, affecting vineyard health. Effective bore maintenance promotes
efficient water use, reducing wastage and supporting environmental sustainability—a value that aligns well with modern viticulture practices. Regular maintenance helps in early detection of
problems, avoiding the high costs associated with major repairs or replacement.
Periodic visual inspections of the bore, pump, and related equipment help identify issues such as corrosion, blockages, or wear and tear. Over time, mineral deposits and bacterial colonies can form, reducing water flow and quality. Cleaning processes like airlifting, acidizing, or using specialized bore brushes can help address these issues. Frequent water testing for parameters like pH, salinity, and microbial content can help in implementing appropriate treatments or preventive measures. Maintaining a bore log that includes details of maintenance activities, water levels, and test results is valuable for troubleshooting and long-term planning.
Bore maintenance is not just a technical requirement but a strategic activity that impacts productivity, prosperity, and the environment. By adopting a proactive approach, businesses in the
viticulture sector can ensure they reap the rewards of a well-maintained bore system. Take the time today to evaluate the health of your bore system; your vines—and the environment—will thank you.
Should you require assistance in bore maintenance and monitoring, please contact us.
Key advantages associated with the fertigation include: efficient nutrient distribution; cost and time effectiveness; environmentally responsible; flexible and customisable; and improvements in soil structure.
1. Efficient Nutrient Distribution: Fertigation ensures that fertilisers are evenly distributed across the soil and vine area that the irrigation system covers. Combining irrigation with fertilization, nutrients reach the root zone directly, optimizing their absorption and uptake by the vine. This promotes consistent growth and better yield.
2. Cost & Time Effective: Precise control over nutrient and water application means fertigation minimises waste. This reduces the overall usage of fertilisers and water resources, resulting in significant cost savings. Combining irrigation with fertilisation also saves labour and machinery time by automating processes that would require separate applications.
3. Environmental Responsibility: Traditional fertilising methods can lead to excessive nutrient overuse and runoff which can harm sensitive nearby areas such as waterways. On the other hand, fertigation reduces this risk by delivering nutrients directly to the vine roots zone.
4. Flexibility and Customisation: Fertigation allows for flexible adjustments and modifications to the fertiliser program during the growth cycle. Nutrient concentrations can be customised to meet the specific needs of different varieties or variables in growth stages.
5. Improved Soil Structure: By avoiding the overuse of traditional fertiliser applications, fertigation maintains soil health by preventing the build-up of harmful salts, reduces soil compaction, and helps maintain a healthy pH balance. The soils integrity is maintained which encourages long-term productivity and vineyard health.
Fertigation is a modern farming technique which encompasses efficiency, productivity, and environmental care. It aligns with the principles of sustainable agriculture that we highly values at Pridham Viticulture, providing our clients with innovative solutions for the wine, horticultural, and agricultural industries.
Embracing fertigation will contribute to a future of farming that is prosperous, sustainable, cost effective, flexible and environmentally responsible. It’s a worthy investment in the health and success of our vineyards and crops.
Contact our Irrigation Manager Byron at 0420 976 880 to book a time to explore your fertigation options and improve your irrigation systems and operations. We are here to help.
Pridham Viticulture recognizes the shift from wet La Nina conditions to the impending dry cycle of El Nino, leading to hotter and dryer weather conditions affecting the agriculture industry.
To tackle this challenge, we emphasize the importance of proactive planning and investing in robust and reliable irrigation infrastructure, systems, and strategies.
By maintaining irrigation infrastructure, Pridham Viticulture aims to reduce water loss due to system breakdowns and inefficiencies. This approach ensures a steady water supply to crops, even during challenging climatic conditions. Moreover, adopting smarter irrigation schedules will optimize crop water uptake while minimizing water evaporation, maximizing resource efficiency.
With water allocation limits expected to come under pressure, we recognize the need for forward planning and strategizing to make the most out of the limited water resources available. This can involve securing additional water allocations and leveraging weather forecasts to plan irrigation schedules intelligently.
By focusing on sustainable and efficient irrigation practices, Pridham Viticulture aims to mitigate the negative effects of the predicted hot and dry weather conditions, safeguarding their agricultural operations and ensuring a fruitful harvest despite the challenges posed by El Nino.
Contact our Irrigation Manager Byron at 0420 976 880 to book a time with us to explore options to improve your irrigation systems and operations. We are here to help.