Bottler: Bill Sawyer amid the vines at Wyuna Park.
MICHELLE HERBISON
IDEAL weather this year has raised hopes for the region’s wineries after humidity damaged last year’s grape harvest, according to viticulturalists.
Ponda Estate Vineyard’s Tracey Frigo thought this season had “optimum conditions”.
“We’ve had nice and even weather this year with just the right amount of rain and sunlight.”
Scotchmans Hill’s Robin Brockett called this year exciting.
“If the cool, dry weather holds up we will have some of the best wines we’ve made.”
Mr Brockett said he had noticed a long-term change in the region’s climate.
“The past few years we’ve been picking in early March. Fifteen years ago we were picking in early April.
“It’s up to three weeks earlier than it used to be.”
Geelong Winegrowers Ass-ociation viticultural executive Hugh Hull said yields would be up to three tonnes larger than last year due to less disease.
“Feedback indicates tonnages to be consistent with the long-term average of about six to seven tonnes per hectare.”
Mr Hull said some growers reported diseases downy mildew and botrytis in November.
“This has reduced significantly since the warm dry summer weather.”
Wyuna Park Vineyard and Garden’s Bill Sawyer said downy mildew had been a problem this season.
“This year and the previous year have both been very difficult because of humid weather in spring. The viticulturalists had to put a lot of effort into dealing with the risk of downy mildew.”
Mr Sawyer thought this year was as bad as 2011.
“We’ve had adequate rain so yield has been maintained. It’s a bit hard to say but the amounts won’t be too bad.”
