Wine industry bouncing back from tough season(1)
The wine grape harvest is underway and for many growers it has been a horror start to the year.
Heatwave conditions in South Australia and Victoria scorched fruit on the vines and the Victorian bushfires caused severe damage.
To make matters worse, exports are in the doldrums despite growth in demand from Asia.
Paul Henry from the wine and brandy corporation says it has been a rough ride for growers, particularly in Victoria.
He says although many communities were devastated by the losses during the Victorian bushfires, they have already started to get back on their feet.
"They're incredibly robust those communities and their ability to bounce back and their attitude to getting on with the job is life-affirming in itself," he said.
He says local wine growers are receiving help from all over the world to make a comeback.
"At this point we've got web portals and an international series of donations and help being run throughout the world from as far afield as California," he said.
"We've got events planned at the forthcoming London Wine Trade Fair in May.
"So there's practical assistance, there's financial assistance and there's community and healthcare assistance going on as well, so there's a lot of focus and a lot of work all at a community level."
Mr Henry says the southern Australian heatwave has posed challenges for some growers but others have reported good conditions for high grape quality.
