The Clare Valley would increase its vineyard area by more than 30 per cent – or 1600 hectares – if additional irrigation water was available, according to a pre-feasibility study released last week by the Clare Valley Wine & Grape Association (CVWGA).
The Clare Valley Water Pre-feasibility report found immediate grower demand for 25pc more water, while a second pipeline to the region could increase water demand by up to 50pc, supporting both more vineyards and more water for current plantings.
The report found that in addition to increased future irrigation demand to support a further 1188ha of additional vineyard planting (five years) and 1597ha (10 years), a second Clare Valley pipeline could see the Clare Valley’s current irrigation use increase by up to 50pc, to 5335 ML (all water sources combined).