Wine Australia estimates that the fires, which began in late 2019 and spread to some parts of Australia, have affected around 1 per cent of Australia’s total vineyard area. That’s a relatively small area, but the impact can’t be underestimated. In affected areas, properties have been destroyed, vineyards wiped out and livelihoods lost. People are grieving and communities impacted.
Green shoots are already bursting from scorched vines in some Australian vineyards, as parts of the wine community start to rebuild after the recent bushfires. Even in fire-affected regions, most cellar doors are open and there are plenty of reasons to visit.
In South Australia’s Adelaide Hills, recovery is underway. Although up to one-third of the region was affected by fire, the Crush food and wine festival went ahead on 24–26 January, with visitors coming from all over to taste world-class wines.
‘I’m going to rebuild. I’m not giving up; that’s not how we roll,’ says David Bowley of Vinteloper in the Adelaide Hills. After fire tore through 90% of their vineyards, the future was uncertain, but with an outpouring of support, they’re now rebuilding.
David’s determination is echoed across the region and around Australia.
‘Our region has taken a hit but our [Adelaide] Hills community is stronger than ever,’ says the team at Anderson Hills winery.
‘We are heartened to see the way the Hills community bands together,’ says the Tomich family of Tomich Wines. “We know it is this spirit that will carry us all through this difficult time.”
Other regions that have been affected include Hunter Valley, Tumbarumba and Shoalhaven Coast in New South Wales, parts of Victoria such as East Gippsland, Beechworth, Alpine Valleys and King Valley, Queensland’s Granite Belt and Kangaroo Island in South Australia. These regions alongside surrounding areas need visitors and customers now more than ever.
How to support the Australian wine community
The best way to help producers and the broader industry is to visit wineries and regions (providing it’s safe – check before travelling here) or buy their products. Australia’s 65 wine regions are incredibly diverse – from rugged coastline to lush hills, and from sun-drenched plains to sub-alpine mountains. Although some of these beautiful areas have been affected, most wine-growing areas haven’t been impacted by the fires, and its business as usual.
If you can’t visit wineries in person, buy their wines. The quality of Australian wine for sale hasn’t been compromised in any way – it’s as good as ever. And in some cases, a percentage of the sales are being donated to support bushfire-affected communities.
Whether you love a delicate sparkling wine, refreshing white, vibrant red or rich fortified, now is the perfect time to explore Australia’s brilliant wines and discover a new favourite. Buy directly from winery websites or look for other places to purchase, like online stores and bottle shops.
You can also do your bit by spreading the word, we’re open for business – and every dollar helps to rebuild these affected communities.
Fire-affected wine communities begin rebuilding
Against the backdrop of blackened trees and fire-damaged vines, there is hope and determination. Australians are resilient and the wine community is strong, and just weeks after the worst damage was inflicted, those impacted have started rebuilding their businesses and their lives. But they can’t do it alone, and people are rallying around them to help.
Many growers and winemakers have been overwhelmed by support. Local businesses and tradespeople have offered their expertise and donated resources, while locals have rolled up their sleeves to help. One producer put out a request on social media for two people to come and help him put some posts back into the ground – and around 150 people turned up over a weekend, keen to do whatever they could to help.
The world has responded, with support flooding in from overseas. And, of course, firefighters and volunteers continue to work tirelessly to keep people safe and limit the damage.
Thanks to years of research into the impact of fires on vineyards and wine, Australia is well placed to support affected producers. Wine Australia is working closely with the Department of Agriculture, Australian Grape & Wine Inc, state and regional wine organisations and the Australian Wine Research Institute, as well as other partner research agencies to best support those affected and provide up-to-date support.
‘Sadly, it is not the first nor the last time that Australia has dealt with bushfires,’ says Wine Australia Chief Executive Officer, Andreas Clark. ‘What we have seen in the past and no doubt will again in the future is an astonishing generosity where people have donated grapes and labour to assist their neighbours and friends to recover.’
The response to the fires highlights the strength, passion, camaraderie and sheer hard work of Australia’s wine community. And now, among the destruction and blackened vines, there are little signs of hope as new growth bursts forth and rehabilitation begins. Nature is bouncing back and so are Australia’s wine producers.
Travelling to Australia?
Bushfires are unfortunately a part of Australian summers and can occur due to high temperatures and dry weather. If you’re travelling to Australia, we encourage you to stay informed with the latest bushfire warnings and travel updates. Here are some useful links
https://www.australia.com/en/travel-alerts.html
- New South Wales www.rfs.nsw.gov.au
- Victoria www.cfa.vic.gov.au
- Tasmania www.fire.tas.gov.au
- Australian Capital Territory www.esa.act.gov.au
- Northern Territory www.pfes.nt.gov.au
- Queensland www.ruralfire.qld.gov.au
- South Australia www.cfs.org.au
- Western Australia www.emergency.wa.gov.au
