Bushfire Update: Yarra Valley winegrowers mourn deaths
The Yarra Valley, Victoria
Two families associated with the wine industry have perished in the Black Saturday bushfires in Victoria and the Yarra Valley wine region remains under threat from fires still burning in areas to the north, east and south.
Yarra Valley Winegrowers Association president Tony Jordan released a statement yesterday [18 February] saying further reports of damage to vineyards and wineries have come in, revealing more damage than initially expected. About 25% of the Yarra Valley viticultural area (GI) has been directly impacted by grass or bushfires.
"Even though weather conditions are milder there remains the threat of further fires spreading from fires burning in the forested mountain areas to the north, east and south of the Yarra Valley. About 25% of the Yarra Valley viticultural area (GI) has been directly impacted by grass or bushfires," he says.
Confirmation also of the deaths of wine business proprietor Greg Leonard and his wife Gail who died in the fires that swept through the Steels Creek area. Wine Distributor Rob Davey, his wife and their two children perished in the Kinglake fire. Their deaths are part of the horrifying and rising toll of over 200 people killed on Saturday and Sunday the 7th and 8th of February.
"So far we have had information that 29 vineyards have been damaged or destroyed, wholly or partially, by fire and this corresponds to an area of 154 ha (385 acres). This represents about 5% (five percent) of the planted vineyard area in the Yarra Valley GI. Thus the impact on the total grape crop in 2009 is not large," says Tony.
Three small wineries, Roundstone and Yarra Yarra, and Calders have been destroyed. Tomlinsons lost winery equipment, Immerse winery lost three accommodation buildings and a barn, Punt Road winery lost a machinery shed, Domaine Chandon suffered fire damage to two warehouses and Punch some damage to the winery. Thirty-five wineries and vineyards (mainly vineyards) have suffered some asset damage
"The potential for smoke taint is increasing," he says. "Because there was a wind change from northerly to southerly only hours after the fires commenced on Saturday Feb 7th, the valley was largely clear of smoke until February 13. However since then, the wind has moved to the east which is pushing smoke from back burning fires in the Yarra Ranges into the valley increasing the risk of smoke taint to later maturing varieties."
Harvest is proceeding and whites and reds picked so far have not shown smoke taint even from vineyards close to where the fires occurred. Crops harvested so far are much smaller than expected. Many are 30% to 50% below estimates. In some parts of the valley this is due to the effect of the late January hot spell which caused vine stress and sunburn (other areas were not significantly affected) and there
are also impacts from poor fruit set and even spring frosts in some pockets.
"Quality of wines is still expected to be good," he says.
Harvest has started at most wineries who are operating normally and are open to visitors. Wineries are concerned that the public will have the wrong picture of the valley after the fires and not visit. Much of the valley is unaffected and wineries are looking for their support and hoping to welcome them.
Regions
- Melbourne Surrounds (VIC)
- Yarra Valley (Wine) (VIC)
- Yarra Valley, Dandenongs and the Ranges (VIC)
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It's now a over week since embers borne by strong winds hit the Yarra Valley and surrounding parts of Victoria. Australia has been in shock ever since. However 95% of the Valley is unaffected and many wineries, accommodations and restaurants are now open to visitors and need your support. Please phone first to check, especially for events.
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