News & Events

Harvest underway across the state

Harvest is well and truly underway across the state with growers reporting good quality and expected average yields. The cool nights of late have contributed to perfect ripening conditions for most.

As always there are some challenges, one of them being the current fruit fly outbreaks.  Vinehealth Australia have been sharing a great deal of current information, particularly around movement requirements that apply.  Please access their site for in-depth and up to date requirements.

Harvest begins in some regions

Wow, already we’re in February and the early stages of harvest are underway in some of our regions with others gearing up for the busiest time of the year.

Demand and pricing projections are variable depending on the region, variety, and grade of the fruit with most members I’ve spoken to expect an average to slightly above average crop yield.  Unfortunately, not everyone escaped the hot day in late January and that along with a lack of summer rain may influence some bunch weights and overall yields in selected areas.

As always, we strongly encourage our grower members to keep in contact with their winemakers, contractors, and transport operators as vintage creeps closer.  Communication and strong relationships are key to achieving the best outcomes for everyone during this extremely busy time.

We did it! 27,009 native plants planted!

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 At the start of the EcoVineyards project we set a goal of encouraging growers to plant 20,000 native plants in and around vineyards by the end of 2020. We did it! 27,009 native plants have been planted since the EcoVineyards project began. 

A big thank you to everyone who has got outside and planted some native plants. And just because we reached our goal doesn't mean we have to stop! If you get out planting over the Christmas break, let us know! You can pledge your plants here. 

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Past newsletters

How to register a security interest over your grapes

The Wine Grape Council of South Australia has worked with Piper Alderman to develop a guide to help grape growers understand how to register security over grapes.

Taking security over grapes secures the winery's obligation to pay your invoices on time and in full. It is also important to take steps to ‘perfect’ that security interest to maximise your chances of being paid.

To learn more about why grape growers should register security over grapes, read the circular from Piper Alderman.

Piper Alderman have also developed a step-by-step guide on how to register security over grapes just for WGCSA members which you can also download.

Adrian Hoffmann appointed as the new Chair of the Wine Grape Council of SA

The Wine Grape Council of South Australia (WGCSA) held our Annual General Meeting on 22nd October where Barossa Wine Grape Grower Adrian Hoffmann was appointed as the new Chair.

Adrian is a sixth generation Barossan and current custodian of the family vineyards.  Adrian describes himself as a professional, hands on wine grape grower managing 135 hectares of vines, supplying to around 30 wineries.  ‘All great wine is made in the vineyard and that requires great planning, hard work and critical decision making’ said Adrian. ​

Development of a new Biosecurity Act

The South Australian Government through Primary Industries and Regions SA (PIRSA) has announced plans for a new Biosecurity Act.
 
PIRSA have now opened a public consultation period for feedback on the proposed principles, objectives and intent of the new Biosecurity Act. Consultation will close at 11:45pm on Tuesday 24 November 2020.
 
You can provide feedback on the proposed new Biosecurity Act directly to the South Australian Government by responding to the online survey at yourSAy.sa.gov.au.

​The development of a new Biosecurity Act must assist in the future management and protection of South Australia’s vitally important biosecurity system.

News Archive

Prices increase for top varieties in SA regions in 2020 wine grape crush​
SA Wine Grape Crush survey report​
2020 National Vintage report​
Growers and winemakers work together to improve commercial arrangements
Guidelines to help you manage vineyard workers in our current COVID-19 climate
WGCSA leads Vineyard Mapping Assessment Project
Growers positive despite the challenging start to 2020
Grape spills a major concern
Meet your transport law obligations this harvest
Vintage begins as we rebuild after the devastating bushfires
Bushfire response​
Tough times
EcoVineyards workshops receive great reviews 
Saving Prosecco is just one of the ways Australian Grape & Wine is working for growers
EcoGrowers set to start planting as EcoVineyard project gets underway
Response from industry to ABC Four Corners report on the Murray Darling Basin
ACCC starts the conversation we have to have if we're going to improve our industry
Australian 2019 vintage crushes predictions​
Using contractors? Things have changed - Is your business prepared?
Labour Hire and Contractor Licensing Law set to commence​
Mary Retallack announces WGCSA EcoVineyards project​
Free Fit4Work resources available for growers to download
Growers set to benefit with EcoVineyards project
Growers now partners in Australian Grape and Wine
Discover the drought support available for growers at free events across SA
Register for free Fit4Work workshops for vineyard workers
​Millipedes - An unwanted visitor in vineyards
SAWIA Notice - Repealing the Labour Hire Licensing Act
Grape sunscreen helping SA growers fight extreme conditions​
Meet viticulture expert Mary Retallack
Australia’s grape and wine producers unite
Loxton Fruit Fly outbreak - Movement conditions for grapes
Zero tolerance against fruit fly at Yamba
Free Chain of Responsibility workshops for WGCSA members
AV and WFA amalgamate to form Australian Grape and Wine Incorporated
SAWIA Notice - Implications of employing casual workers
2018 Annual General Meeting
Growers from across the state provide valuable insights for the future
ACCC commences market study into wine grape industry
South Australian Government announces intention to repeal the Labour Hire Licensing Act 2017
Industry reform touted to create unity and strengthen representation​
Farm sector welcomes State Budget commitments but seeks R&D investment
Grape prices rise 4% across South Australia in Vintage 2018
Proposed changes to the SA Grape Grower Industry Fund
Roadshow wrap up and member registration details
Wage increase in award rates for the Wine Industry Award
How did the 2018 harvest go for grape growers across South Australia?
Labour hire licensing postponed to February 2019
Seasonal Climate Outlook from the Bureau of Meterology
Improving road transport for primary production - Update
​2018 'a cracker of a year' for South Australian wine
Draft National Alcohol Strategy puts wine and grape industry at risk​
WGCSA Election Policy: A 10 Point Plan for the Wine Industry
Labour hire licensing update
Delivery Despatch books - Order now!
Primary Producers and the Heavy Vehicle National Law
New labour hire licensing laws to commence
Biosecurity Alert - Brown marmorated stink bug detected 
Applications open for $10m of international wine tourism grants
A new and exciting direction for WHS & IR services for WGCSA members
Changes to permit processing in South Australia
Labour Hire Bill 2017: Implications for the Wine Industry
Increase to award rates applicable July 1
Key new appointment for grape growers
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