The area is dominated by a typical Mediterranean climate, with a strong concentration of precipitation during the autumn and winter months, mild winters with a frequent occurrence of light night frosts and hot to very hot summers. Annual precipitation has varied between 250 and 1150mm

The soil is a loamy sand which was sub-soiled to a depth of 60cm in the late summer of 2000, prior to the planting of the vines in March 2001. It is left unprotected during the spring and summer months, due to regular cultivation to remove competitive weeds. [VIEW].

The site is used to cultivate grapes for wine production. A range of grape varieties, both red and white, which are typical of the region are grown here. They are cultivated in rows which are spaced 2.5m apart, in an up-slope down-slope orientation, and are supported by a trellis [VIEW 1][VIEW 2]. A drip irrigation system has been installed to supplement soil water when required [VIEW]. Length of slope has been determined by the field boundaries; hedges at the top and either side and a brook at the bottom.

The period of vegetative growth for the vines here is from April to October. Outside this time frame, the vines are dormant, have no leaves and offer little protection to the soil.

At the point of flowering, which takes place in June, and the ripening of the fruits in August/September, the vines are particularly sensitive to water stress; too little during flowering will result in reduced yields, too much during ripening will result in reduced sugar content and quality. Thus, good soil and water management is critical

Under conventional management, soil in the inter-rows is cultivated using a specific vineyard plough in early spring, followed by a disk harrow or a rotary harrow. Depending on the spring rainfall, at least one additional tillage treatment is applied in May and / or June to remove competitive weeds. Herbicides are used to remove weeds in the vine row. Several chemical applications are made each year to control pest and fungal problems on the vines.