Smoke a major threat to wine vintage in Tasmania

The 2023 vintage is well under way in Tasmania - but this is an anxious time for grape growers and winemakers.

Not only is there the risk of early season frosts, but this is also the season when the forestry industry - which gets millions of dollars of state government support can threaten another of Tasmania's primary industries. Farm burn offs also pose a threat.

Wine Tasmania has issued an urgent reminder of the potential devastating impact smoke can have on vineyards.

Vineyards are particularly susceptible to smoke exposure, which can cause irreparable damage and destroy the livelihood of the island’s wine producers.

Wine Tasmania CEO Sheralee Davies said that wine grape growers have worked tirelessly over the past year to manage their vineyards up to harvest time. Consequently, the remaining harvest period through to approximately the end of May is crucial.

“It has been another challenging and varied season, including some cooler and wetter weather which has contributed to a delayed harvest," Davies said.

"Pleasingly, early reports of wine quality are very positive, with overall wine volumes likely to be slightly below the long-term average.

“One of the greatest concerns for wine producers at this time of the year is the potential impact of smoke from nearby fires. We encourage anyone planning to light a fire on their property in the weeks ahead to consult with nearby vineyards before igniting their burn to ensure they don't inadvertently cause major damage.

“Smoke can travel some distance from a fire and still cause damage to vineyards, and a short postponement of a fire may be all that is needed to prevent irreparable damage to this year's vintage.”

Wine Tasmania is encouraging land holders to get in touch directly with nearby vineyards to discuss proposed timing of burn offs, the vineyard’s progress on harvesting and potential risks.

They can also contact Wine Tasmania on (03) 6223 3770 for further information and details of nearby vineyards.

See https://winetasmania.com.au/tasvine

Tourism operators unite to fight logging of native forests

Many tourists do not notice the damage done to native forests in Tasmania by the ludicrously named Sustainable Timbers Australia.

Loggers are very clever in keeping their devastation from public viewing.

In the town of Derby, in the north-east of the state, local businesses have united on the eve of proposed Krushka forest logging to again call for Government intervention to protect forests.

The Krushka forests wrap around the Blue Derby mountain bike trails and leading local businesses are part of the 200+ business signature open letter to Premier Peter Gutwein and Tasmanian Government calling for "an end to native forest logging to allow our nature-based tourism sector to live up to the Brand Tasmania promise".

Louise Morris, co-ordinator of Blue Derby Wild said: ‘We have seen an unprecedented call from businesses across our island state, and globally, noting that our Gondwana forests are worth more standing.

"From global giants like Paddy Palin and Patagonia to The Tasmanian Walking Company, Franklin River Rafting and numerous businesses here in Derby we are all united in understanding our forests are our biggest eco-tourism drawcard, and our best natural assets for tackling climate change and increasing biodiversity loss. Our communities need our Gondwana native forests intact."

Damien Neilson, owner/operator of the Derby Bike Shop said: "We hear on a daily basis from our customers the beauty that Derby is, with its lush wet forests, the amazing views they get on the trails and how diverse the area is.

"To then tell them that these areas are about to be logged they are shocked and stunned that in this day the Government would agree to this. These forests are what make the experience for many, if not all, who visit and ride the trails in Derby and we need to protect these natural assets."

Jules Seymour, owner and operator of Pinned Property Management said: ‘When there are over 31,000 signatures from the general public, over 200 business owners and conversations from interested and concerned tourists in the main street daily, I really don't understand how they can ignore this.

"Plain and simple, it’s ruining the future of eco tourism in an area that will keep giving back year after year and be sustainable for years to come. Rider separation zones are completely irrelevant when they are ignoring the point that once these forests are gone, there is no getting them back."