Following the state’s hottest summer on record, Western Australian wineries have begun to navigate the challenging harvesting season with optimism and hope.
The state-wide temperature last summer was 1.9 degrees Celsius above average, the highest mean temperature since national observations began in 1910.
The Swan Valley recorded ten days over 40 degrees, with one suburb, Millendon, recording multiple 44 degrees days in February.
As a result of this record heatwave, winemakers have needed to innovate.
Promising produce
Despite the challenging conditions, winemakers in the Swan Valley have remained pleased with the quality of their produce.
The Swan Valley has nurtured vineyards for nearly two centuries, establishing itself as Australia’s second oldest wine region, behind the Hunter Valley.
Bree Lavell, co-owner of her family-run winery, Swan Valley Wines, said despite the variation in the riping of grapes, they were happy with the amount of wine they managed to produce.
“In general, we’re actually really happy with what we’ve produced”.
“We’re really lucky to have three vineyards to choose from, where others aren’t as fortunate,” said Mrs Lavell.
The winery has also considered measures to mitigate the impact of record temperatures.
“Our focus has been more on Italian and Spanish varieties that are more suited to our climate, so that’s definitely made a difference”.
“We’re passionate about [the] Swan Valley, so we’re just doing what we can to sustain it,” said Mrs Lavell.
Strategies to mitigate impact of hot weather
Many local wineries have adopted strategies to maintain quality and support posed by the recent heatwave.
The Walkers Hill Vineyard in Lake Grace is the only winery within 200km of the wheatbelt and has become accustomed to the hot weather.
Tania Dray, a partner in Walkers Hill Vineyard, said one way to reduce the effects of hot weather is to let their weeds grow during the colder periods of the year.
“When we took over the vineyard, there was not a weed to be seen. It was totally sprayed out, void of weeds.”
“We have let all the weeds come back which protects the soil from the intense heat, adding that layer of protection. We just mow them down and keep them mulched to try and retain moisture,” said Mrs Dray.
Vine Australia also recommends maximising transpirational cooling and minimising radiation to help protect grapevines in the heat.
Support from consumers and government
Wineries across the state have urged for consumers and local government to help support local wineries during this period.
Tania Dray said it is important for consumers to get involved locally as it provides reassurance for local winemakers.
“It’s the same old thing to support local [wineries],” she said.
“Even to come in just for wine tasting, just to try the wine, it gives you a boost to know that people are still interested”.
Likewise, Bree Lavell said it would be great to support local wineries through government funding.
“It would be great to look at how to support through grants. We’ve been wanting to get solar panels and other things, but a lot of things seem to be blocking our way financially”.
“A wild ride” produced excellent quality grapes
The Margaret River Wine Association recently released their consumer letter and reflected on this year’s vintage, dubbing it “a wild ride for the viticulturists and winemakers.”
“These [warmer and drier] conditions accelerated vine development early on, and sustained warmth throughout summer meant this theme continued, right through to the harvest of Cabernet”.
“There were minimal extremes, which enabled vignerons to ripen their grapes with balance”.
“Efficient picking schedules were achieved and ‘excellent quality’ is the phrase we are hearing from the winemakers”.
More details on this year’s vintage will be coming soon, once harvesting in the region has finished.
