True Terroir – A Sense of Place

As an ex winemaker the word terroir is often used to describe a combination of environmental factors, which affect the growing conditions in a vineyard.

In general, though, it means “a sense of place.” Essentially, terroir encompasses all of the natural conditions, which influence the biology of the vines, and thus the distinctive characteristics of the grapes. These ultimately are the factors, which give a wine its unique characteristics.

The terroir is the combination of the climate, the soil, aspect and the landscape. It is the combination of an infinite number of these factors, temperatures, rainfall, sunlight hours, slope and drainage to name a few. All these factors react with each to form what the French winegrowers term terroir.

In a vineyard, which is managed there are a number of human influences – therefore maybe true terroir is found in the natural, native species?

The native forests and wildflowers are a diversity of species of plants growing in the environment, which they have evolved. They ecologically depend on the conditions, in which they grow, the soil, climate and even the other species such as birds and animals, which interact with them. The ecosystem has a complex range of connections to other species and the environment, in which they live and grow.

Each year is seasonally different, the weather patterns influence the species and timing of growth and flowering, if flowering occurs at all. Some species may flower only every few years – thus each year is unique.

Honey is a true expression of terroir, a reflection of the place and species from where it is sourced. Each honey captures the distinctive flavours and natural wellness benefits from the species, which they are foraged.

At Foragers our bees forage the native forests and wildflowers of Australia’s South West, part of an International Biodiversity hotspot. The majestic Jarrah, Marri and Karri forests, with a large diversity of other flora produce a unique nectar.

We ethically harvest honey, which is excess to the bees.

Foragers invites you to experience the distinctive flavours, natural power and wellness from our Exceptional Honey.