In Greek mythology, Gaia (pronounced guy/a) was the goddess of the earth who was seen by many to be the mother of earth or life itself and the guardian of its balance.

Two books by the Englishman Lovelock have promoted a Gaia theory.  Lovelock explains that the world is a self regulating body which supports life. Because the earth does not remain static, it would be changing and continually finding a new balance whether we were here or not.  The damage done by the human race, however, has placed great stress on the world's capacity to adjust and change. Humans need to find a balance with nature to ensure their survival and that of the world.

Jeffrey Grosset sees Lovelock's theories as relating to his views on viticulture.  Since 1983, Grosset has minimised the use of chemicals in his vineyards believing that if the chemical input is reduced, the vineyard environment will find its own balance and, to some extent, regulate itself.  Although he believes that chemicals are unlikely to have any harmful effects, Grosset sees his approach as reducing the likelihood that the quality of his wines might be affected by their use.

Gaia is one of the most astonishing vineyards you'll see.   Planted at 570 metres, at the highest point of the Clare Valley, the vineyard is an elongated triangular wedge of emerald green that sits above the rolling golden cornfields of the Clare Valley. Named after James Lovelock's books, Gaia is a metaphor for the importance of the diversity and complexity of species.'

Extracted from 'The Red Revolution' by Anthony Rose, The Independent (UK) November 2002.  To read the full article, click here.