Winemakers fear coronavirus shutdowns threaten year of production

First it was beer makers. Now the wine industry says unnecessary shutdowns could deprive Australians of a year of production.

James March is chief executive of the Barossa Grape and Wine Association. China is the region’s top export market. Picture: Tait Schmall

Maker of Australia’s famous Jacob’s Creek wine, Pernod Ricard, has warned its harvest could be ruined by enforced or shutdowns that could threaten the loss of an entire year’s production.

The warning follows calls from the brewing industry, led by majors Carlton & United Breweries and Lion, that unless they are included as essential industries in state government coronavirus lockdowns, Australia will run out of beer within weeks and could go without beer for at least three months.

Industries are scrambling to prepare for huge disruptions to their operations in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.

The wine sector in particular has already been hit by the coronavirus pandemic because China, where it started, is a major buyer of Australian wine as well as a key source of tourism to local wineries.

It also comes after summer bushfires destroyed many vineyards and large sections of other winegrowing regions with grapes spoiled by smoke taint.

Bryan Fry, chairman and chief executive of Pernod Ricard Winemakers, owner of the Jacob’s Creek and St Hugo labels, said looming shutdowns came at a terrible time for the winemaker.

“We are in the midst of vintage at our Barossa Valley winery and have put in place unprecedented measures to protect the health of our staff, suppliers and customers,’’ Mr Fry said.

Ben Bryant, Jacob's Creek chief winemaker.

Any shutdown for an agricultural company came with the added complications of the seasons and short, set, periods within the year when harvesting must take place.

“Winemakers get one opportunity a year to produce wine. That time is now,’’ Mr Fry said.

“Any decisions that result in our winery operations having to cease will result in the loss of an entire year’s worth of production.

“The impact on jobs and exports would be catastrophic across the industry, particularly in regional communities.

“The industry has just emerged from a summer that delivered an unholy trinity of drought, fire and smoke taint – unnecessary restrictions are the last thing we need.

“We completely understand and support more stringent health protections at this time – but the least governments can do is allow Australians to buy and enjoy a wine, beer or spirit with their families over dinner during such a difficult period.”

While proposed lockdowns will shut bars, restaurants and cafes, bottle ship will remain open.