May 2021 update

How beautiful are the striking autumn coloured vine leaves falling to the ground throughout our stunning grape and wine regions?   

As the vines rest so to do many of our grower members.  It has been nice to see some wonderful holiday snaps showing up on social media as many take the opportunity to enjoy a well-earned post vintage break. 

Word on the street tells us Vintage 2021 is estimated to return around average yields with above average quality across the State.  A pleasing result coming off some really challenging years of drought, frost, and bushfires.
 
Unfortunately, there were some increasing concerns raised by members around contract issues which was disappointing and added further layers of angst to an extremely busy time. I’m also hearing of some delayed grape payment which hopefully will be resolved sooner than later.

Don’t forget, thanks to Piper Alderman we have a great ‘Guide to register security over grapes’, with step by step instructions on how to secure payments of grapes under your grape supply agreements.  Full details can be found here - Personal Property Security Register (wgcsa.com.au)  Contact me at [email protected] if you would like the contact details of Piper Alderman.

We all know so much has changed over the past 18 months, many grape growers (and I suspect winemakers) are thinking about what the future will look like in the coming years.  All of us can predict and make assumptions; however, rather than guess why not connect with your wineries and winemakers and start those conversations now around each other’s expectations for 2022.  Has their market changed, are contracts being offered, will they be looking for a different grade, Baume or yield expectation?  
 
Now is the perfect time to catch up for that coffee or drink, have a chat, talk openly and honestly around each other’s position and expectations, and hopefully minimise any last-minute surprises in vintage 2022. Good communication is key right now for everyone.

As we head into winter, I hope you all receive some decent rain, get stuck into the pruning and enjoy good health, happiness and of course some fabulous wine!

Stay safe, 

Lisa Bennier
Business Manager