Information forum for winegrape growers in Mildura

An information forum for winegrape growers in Mildura on May 9th will take an in-depth look at the rocketing performance of Australian wine sales in China. The impact of cuts in water allocations on next season’s grape prices will also receive a hearing.

This year’s event is expected to be attended by around 100 winegrape growers and associated industry representatives. It will be held just weeks after the end of the 2019 vintage, giving growers information that could influence decisions they make in relation to vineyard operations over the coming months.

The final results of the 2019 vintage, such as average prices and total production, are yet to be calculated, however it’s clear that average prices will be up again, particularly in relation to the mainstream red varieties. Production is expected to be down on last year’s result, in common with many other wine regions around Australia.

“Getting information on what’s happening in the world of wine is the reason why growers need to attend the information forum,” MVW executive officer Mike Stone said.

MVW will present the morning program while the Australian Wine Research Institute (AWRI) will take over in the afternoon. MVW topics include wine export performance, focusing on China, the outlook for water demand and impact on grape prices, update of an ACCC “market study” of the wine grapes sector, and a presentation by Plant Health Australia on the bugs that can destroy vineyards and livelihoods.

AWRI speakers in the afternoon will tackle weed control without the use of synthetic chemicals, grapevine viruses, responding to compressed vintages and trends in grape growing practices. Time will be available for growers to ask questions of the experts.

The day starts at 8.30 for registrations and will draw to a close at around 4pm. The venue is the Mildura Club, corner of Deakin Avenue and Ninth Street, Mildura.