Take a closer look at Riverina wine industry’s almost perfect vintage

Following an almost perfect vintage in the Riverina, a review of the highlights and successes will be the focus of a Post Vintage seminar to be held at Griffith on the Wednesday 13 June.

The event is being organised by NSW Department of Primary Industries (NSW DPI) and supported by the Wine Grapes Marketing Board.

NSW DPI Extension Viticulturist, Jason Cappello, said the seminar will provide the wine industry with the latest seasonal conditions and harvest information from the 2012 vintage.

"I encourage vineyard operators, wine growers, chemical agronomists and industry suppliers to attend this seminar, as it is a great opportunity to review the past vintage and be involved with opportunities for the region and coming vintage," he said.

Mr Cappello said the seminar will cover varietal crush yields from the region and grower and winemaker views from the vintage, as well as reviewing the climate patterns that led up to the wet weather events late in the vintage.

NSW DPI Agricultural Climatologist, Michael Cashen, will also review how the weather events that occurred in early 2012 developed and provide an insight for the coming months.

Mr Cappello said representatives from Dried Fruits Australia have also been invited to the review to present exciting details on how the dried grape industry can expand within Australia to meet the changes in the international supply of dried grapes and newer varieties suitable for the local region.

Stuart McGrath-Kerr from the Riverina Winemakers Association will present a 2012 crush report and comparison for the major whites and red varieties during the past two seasons and highlight some of the unharvested losses.

Mr Cappello said attendees were being asked to bring along suggestions for issues to be worked upon in the coming season and beyond and to help provide answers which could improve vineyard or the business management.

The seminar is being held at the Gemini Function Centre from 12 noon to 4.30 pm.

The cost for the day is $15 for non Wine Grape Marketing Board levy payers. Registrations are required for catering purposes by Friday 8 June.

To register and for further information please contact Jason Cappello on (02) 6960 1300 or 045 784 2874.

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