Grape growers have no reason to whine over 2015 vintage

TASMANIAN wine producers are expecting big things from this year’s vintage.

WINE HARVEST

TASMANIAN wine producers are expecting big things from this year’s vintage.

As the annual harvest begins, Wine Tasmania chief executive Sheralee Davies said the quality looked good and overall yields would be higher than last year.

“We expect wines from the 2015 vintage to be of a high quality and it’s a relief the majority of fruit is now picked,” Ms Davies said.

Coal Valley Vineyard co-owner Gill Christian, who runs the 5ha family winery with her husband Todd Goebel, says she is picking “fabulous” juicy riesling grapes ideal for making wine.

“We have a strong focus on sustainability and a hands-on approach is important to us,” Mrs Christian said.

A crew of 18, including 14 pickers from Bright Employment (which finds work for refugees who have settled in the area) ensured the grapes were picked at the correct time.

“I love it at this time of year. When the grapes are ready we have to pick.”

Mr Goebel recently killed 20 European wasp nests to stop the pest sucking juice out of grapes.

“They have been less of a problem this year,” Mrs Christian said.

Ms Davies said the season was well set up by good winter rains and mild spring weather.

“Overall, vintage started earlier and fruit came in quite quickly, now it is just a matter of waiting for later ripening varieties to be harvested,” Ms Davies said.