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1998 vintage report for Far South Western Victoria

The 1998 vintage is reported as ‘outstanding’ by Peter Dixon, secretary of the Far South Western Victorian Viticultural Association. He said most growers in the region had increased yields and excellent fruit quality. Yields were up by 30% over last year. The region experienced a long dry summer and autumn,’ Peter said. ‘Good rain was experienced in late spring prior to flowering, and excellent fruitset resulted.’ The dry weather resulted in an essentially disease-free season. It was dry until early April when there was a clear autumn break. Sparkling varieties picked prior to the autumn break showed excellent quality. The cooler weather after the autumn break delayed ripening for red table wine varieties, but most fruit was picked by mid-May with good sugar levels and no disease.