News & Events

Guidelines to help you manage vineyard workers in our current COVID-19 climate

As the leaves drop from the vines and pruning season fast approaches it is vital that we all remain vigilant regarding COVID-19 restrictions.

To help wine grape growers through this unprecedented time the Wine Grape Council has called on industry experts to provide the latest information and resources to assist growers affectively manage the necessary requirements around pruning.

WGCSA leads Vineyard Mapping Assessment Project

​The Wine Grape Council of South Australia is proud to be leading the Vineyard Mapping and Assessment project with support from Primary Industries and Regions SA (PIRSA).

The project was created in response to the Cudlee Creek and Kangaroo Island bushfires and involves the mapping and assessment of bushfire affected vineyards and providing technical advice and management options to those participating grape growers.

Donate fence posts to primary producers impacted by bushfires

We are coordinating the donation and distribution of fit for purpose fence posts to donate to bushfire impacted primary producers on Kangaroo Island.

Several loads were transported pre vintage with another 6000 posts on the way this week and a waiting list for at least 8000 more.

Good quality repurposed posts are being gratefully received and used primarily for fencing, meeting an immediate need for our KI farmer friends affected by the recent devastating bushfires.

Posts for repurposing, must meet the following specifications:
• Good quality - posts must be fit for purpose.
• 170 -180 cm (6 feet) long once trimmed
• have loose dirt removed as best as possible
• supplied in bundles of 50 - 80 posts (we will need to know rough numbers)

All posts are to be freshly sorted and bundled to ensure against accidental transportation of bugs, reptiles and pests to the unique Kangaroo Island environment.

Posts will need to be delivered to Willunga or alternatively we can assist with collection of full truck loads (approx 1500 posts) if needed.   

Sincere thanks to those regions that have assisted with organising the collection and delivery of posts to date. For more information, please email lisa@wgcsa.com.au

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Growers positive despite the challenging start to 2020

​As we all bunker down to prevent the spread of COVID-19 it’s a timely reminder on just how challenging the start to 2020 has already been for many.

First, the devastating bushfires, grapes ruined by smoke taint, a lower harvest yield than expected and this coming after ongoing drought and water issues along with hail and frost events in 2019.  Now we have the unpredictable and everchanging impacts COVID-19 is having on our daily lives and that of our wine industry friends – it’s tough out there.

Grape spills a major concern

There have been more reports of grape spills across SA and understandably, the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator is getting frustrated with our industry.

We know that most transport operators do the right thing and are equally frustrated by operators not securing their load and giving the industry a bad name.

Meet your transport law obligations this harvest

As vintage kicks in across South Australia, it’s a good time to think about how we’re transporting our precious grapes from the vineyard to the wineries.

During the 2019 grape harvest, there were some major grape spills in several regions resulting in both loss of crop and more importantly unsafe and dangerous road conditions. ​

News Archive

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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