Smoke taint forces Canberra winemakers to abandon their 2020 vintage
The 2019/2020 summer bushfires devastated a number of winegrowers and winemakers throughout NSW and the ACT. In total there were 49 days where locals were encouraged to stay inside due to the hazardous conditions. While there wasn’t any physical destruction to the Canberra Wine District, the smoke taint from the surrounding fires certainly affected the 2020 harvest. Canberra District winegrowers extensively tested their wines for smoke taint and widely found the vintage undrinkable. The smoke’s impact is extensive with the vast majority of local winemakers deciding not to harvest. Some notable names include Clonakilla, Ravensworth and Shaw Wines.
Tim Kirk from Clonakilla Wines explained how smoke taint effects the wine making process - "what happens is it sits on the skins of the grapes and gets sucked into the grapes as they start to ripen. Once you crush the grapes and begin to ferment them, those smoke compounds are released into the wine”.
Great losses at Obsession Wines in Tumbarumba and how to help!
On 31.12.19 fire ripped through the property, taking everything in its path. The losses so far are 8.5 hectares of vineyard, all vineyard machinery and a lot of winemaking equipment. On a personal level, Adrian and his family have lost their house and all of their possessions. Luckily, their family and animals are safe. They also managed to save all the wine in their cellars and the main winery building, so they can make wine again in the future after the grapes are replanted. HOW TO HELP: They have a GoFundMe up and running. All donations go to supporting the family to rebuild their property and vineyards.
The "Mountain View" vineyard, planted in 1993 was nearly entirely burnt. Home to some of the best chardonnay vines in Australia, and other blocks of Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Gamay and Merlot. Due to quick thinking in the early hours, the tractors and most of the farm/vineyard machinery were moved to Glenburnie and saved from the flames. The vineyard infrastructure has been burnt, posts, dripper lines and the vines we are unsure as to what percentage will survive.
To support them, you can purchase their wine online directly from them or in-store with us.
