PRIOR preparation has been the key to success for Upper Maffra West vignerons Alistair and Catherine Hicks.

With just two full harvests under their belt, their Blue Gables wines are already winning awards.

"We had no industry knowledge when we started," said Alistair.

The groundwork included attending viticulture courses and engaging a consultant to give them a detailed report covering all aspects of setting up and running a vineyard on the 8ha property.

"He looked at everything - climate, topography and the results of soil tests - and came back with a really comprehensive report about the most suitable varieties, layout and trellis design, and even economies of scale.

"He was also able to give us an estimate of start up and running costs."

Advice for the north-east facing site, a former winter turn-out block for Catherine's parents' dairy herd, included top-dressing with lime and gypsum before planting, to raise the pH and increase the cation exchange and regular applications of calcium nitrate, boron, magnesium and zinc after planting.

The Hicks planted 2.8ha of vines including chardonnay and pinot gris on the lighter more free draining slopes and sauvignon blanc and shiraz on the harsher, gravelly slopes.

Drought resulted in the loss of 40 per cent of the first vines, but now all varieties, particularly the sauvignon blanc, are doing well.

"Once you get the roots down and established, they're not so needy, but they do need a fair amount of water and fertiliser," said Alistair.

The couple mulch using a side discharge mower, spread cow manure on the base of each vine, and have installed a dripper system for irrigation.

They also soil test annually and are happy with their progress.

"We're are trying to get the balance right which is only going to improve the quality of our wine," Alistair said.

The Hicks are hosting the next West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority's Healthy Soils, Sustainable Farms field day tomorrow May 20.

Speakers include viticulture expert Prof Mary Cole and soil science author Robert White.