The Barossa has suffered “widespread and sigificant” damage from two severe frosts this week.
This photo was taken in the vineyard at Kaesler Wines this week.
They said on Facebook, “The 2025 vintage is looking to be a shorter harvest period with spring frost sweeping over our vines this week.
“We haven’t seen frost like this since 2019 at Kaesler, and while it’s tough to see, our team are dedicated to overcoming these challenges and remain hopeful for the vintage season.”
Scott Hazeldine, chief executive officer of Barossa Australia, says, “As reported, the unfavourable combination of low winter rainfall and resulting low soil moisture combined with a cold southerly air mass conspired to deliver two significant frost events to the region on Thursday and Monday nights.
“Whilst we are still trying to ascertain the full extent of the impacts from our grower network, first indications do point to a widespread and significant event across the region.
“We will continue to work though that assessment process over the coming days but are currently firmly focused in the first instance of ensuring we support those affected though the provision of clear, practical advice to best allow them to mitigate the worst impacts and try to achieve the best possible outcome for the season ahead.
“An additional challenge growers could do without in the current climate, but we hope we have seen the last of these unfavourable conditions.”
Grapegrower Adrian Hoffmann told the ABC he was aware of some growers losing entire crops.
He estimated his own losses were up to 50 percent.
Adrian said vines were “very resilient” and would grow another bud with a little bit of fruit left in it.
“If that one gets frosted, it will push another [bud] as well, but that won’t have any fruit.
“Vines will try and compensate but at this stage it’s the primary fruit production that you want… and unfortunately on a lot of vines that’s not going to be happening this year.”
Other Barossa wineries to have reported frost damage are Kies Wines, Izway and Turkey Flat.
Photo: Kaesler Wines.
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