The Australian Society of Viticulture & Oenology (ASVO) is hosting a free community chat on Friday 20 September at 10am about the devasting frost that has caused widespread damage in South Australia, Victoria and New South Wales.
“Hear practical advice from growers and viticulturists on what to do, and discussion on the options,” the ASVO says in a Facebook post.
You can join the discussion via this Zoom link – https://buff.ly/3B4cbXH
Areas affected by the frost include the Barossa, Clare, Adelaide Hills, the Riverland and the Riverina.
Riverina Winegrape Growers said, “While it’s too hard to estimate the total crop losses at this stage, it’s likely to be more than 100,000 tonnes for the region.”
Jenny Semmler from 919 Wines in the Riverland said on Facebook, “We lost the remainder of the 919 Vineyard in Glossop the other night.
“We were still coming to grips with it yesterday.
“In the 23 years we’ve been here we’ve never had this much frost damage.
“If we’re lucky we may be able to salvage a minor crop.
“It will be very special indeed if we do.”
Kies Family Wines in the Barossa said on Facebook, “Just driving through the vineyard with Dad having a look at the frost damage, from both this morning’s frost and Saturday morning’s.
“Unfortunately the damage is pretty much throughout the entire vineyard.
“We are praying for the viticulture community today as we remember that as grapegrowers we are at the mercy of Mother Nature.”
Dry conditions have contributed to the frost.
There is much-needed rain forecast for South Australia from Thursday with 10mm expected in Adelaide on Tuesday.
Photo: Kies Family Wines in the Barossa.