The recent devastating fires have burnt over 1000 hectares of Australia's vineyards and generated the longest and the most widespread period of smoke haze on record.
National and State organisations including Australian Grape & Wine, the Australian Wine Research Institute and Wine Australia as well as Regional Associations are providing information sessions and resources on how to deal with the challenges of damaged vines and smoke exposed grapes.
The following resources are not intended as a comprehensive list, further detailed information is available on the Wine Australia and AWRI websites:
http://www.wineaustralia/firerecovery
https://www.awri.com.au/industry_support/winemaking_resources/smoke-taint/
Assessing and managing fire damaged grapevines
If you are concerned about the risk of smoke damage to grapes. The AWRI has a great deal of resources regarding risk factors, management options for smoke affected fruit and links to research articles including management of bushfire affected vines. Winegrape growers selling grapes to wineries are encouraged to have open and honest conversations with their wineries early if they hold any concerns. AWRI provide an analytical service for testing grapes for potential damage. Further information can be accessed via the AWRI helpdesk on 08 8313 6600 during business hours or by email helpdesk@awri.com.au
If you've missed the AWRI webinar, you can watch online via the AWRI's YouTube channel.
Information pack – Managing fire damaged grapevines
The AWRI have over 20 publications relevant to dealing with smoke taint and articles on managing fire damaged grapevines
Copies of articles can be ordered from the AWRI library.
Options for managing fire damaged grapevines
Grapevines react to fire in several different ways and the extent and type of damage determines the best approach to treating
the vines. Some effects of fire are obvious, such as dehydrated leaves and burnt bark, but other damage can occur below the surface of the plant, i.e. radiant heat causes damage or death to the plant without obvious external damage.
Agriculture Victoria -John Whiting, Farm Services Victoria, in October 2012
