Wine Victoria has welcomed $2.5million in State Government support to help winemakers and grapegrowers deal with the impacts of bushfires and bushfire smoke across the state.

Wine Victoria chair Angie Bradbury said the funding would provide vital support for industry to assess the impacts of bushfire smoke on wine grapes at a critical time in the 2020 vintage.

“We are very grateful to the Victorian Government for once again assisting our industry in a time of great challenge,” she said.

“Due to the extreme weather conditions and prolonged exposure to large amounts of bushfire smoke across the state during the growing season, this year’s vintage is likely to be impacted in terms of yield and quality reductions in some regions.

“That is why this support is so important, we need to ensure growers are conducting tests and seeking advice on the right course of action for their vineyards – the reputation of our industry now and into the future relies on good decision making in the lead up to vintage.”

Today’s announcement includes the following:

• Smoke Testing: $1.2million (total) in rebates to test grapes for instances of smoke taint – capped at $1200 per grower; and
• Technical Support: $1million (total) in grants to access technical support when instances of taint have been identified. Funding may also be available for regional associations to conduct sensory panels and technical workshops.

Further support has also been provided to Agriculture Victoria to undertake research to improve smoke testing.

As part of a broader bushfire relief announcement, the Victorian Government will also provide a total of $500,000 towards grants for regional industry groups to run networking events and tourism opportunities.

“The additional support for tourism related activities is also very welcome as visitation to wine regions has been at an all-time low this summer,” Bradbury said.

“On top of what could be a much smaller vintage, the broad scale loss of income will mean it is a difficult year for our members.”