By NOEL MURPHY
MILD, dry conditions have driven a “dream harvest” that has Geelong winegrowers saluting their 2013 vintage as one of the best on record.
They say the region’s three sub-climates – Bellarine, Moorabool region and Surf Coast – have delivered top drops across all varieties.
Wine Geelong viticultural expert Hugh Hull said the region’s 120 growers were cheering back-to-back vintages they believed would further consolidate Geelong’s reputation.
“The quality of the fruit that’s come in has been excellent,” Mr Hull said.
“The main thing is we’ve had fairly dry and mild weather conditions from December through to vintage about four weeks ago and low disease pressure – that was a big plus.
“During the vintage, the picking, it was very dry and we didn’t get held up with rain.
“Yields have been about on long-term averages but there have been a couple of exceptions with pinot gris and sauvignon blanc a bit higher than average.”
Geelong has about 740 hectares under vine, with the region’s wines sold domestically and exported to the UK, the US and New Zealand.
The local products have been consistently rated among the best in Australia, corroborated by a multitude of Australian and international awards each year to wineries around the region.
This year’s vintage would serve to further enhance the region’s reputation, Mr Hull said.
“I’m describing it as a dream harvest this year.”
