Tainting of grapes from wildfire and controlled burns has cost the Australian wine industry more than $300 million over the past five years.
A free, one day symposium to be held in Melbourne this month will bring together Australia’s leading smoke taint researchers and collaborators to share the latest research and advice on managing and mitigating the impact of smoke taint.
The Australian Wine Research Institute (AWRI) Victorian Node Manager, Dr Mark Krstic said the 2012 Smoke Taint Symposium would present the latest research and developments to the wider wine grape industry.
“The impact of smoke taint on grape growers and wine producers is one of the biggest challenges facing our industry,” Dr Krstic said.
“This free event provides everyone in the industry, from grape growers and vignerons to public land managers, with the opportunity to discuss past and present findings and identify any gaps in knowledge or research.”
To be held on Wednesday, 20 June, the event is jointly run by the AWRI and the Victorian Department of Primary Industries. It is open to all within the Australian wine industry, the research community and those involved in controlled burn activities.
Dr Mark Downey, Director of the Victorian Government’s Centre for Expertise in Smoke Taint (CESTR), said the Symposium would also mark the official launch of the Victorian Node of the AWRI.
“The Victorian Node is a partnership between the AWRI, the Department of Primary Industries, the Grape and Wine Research and Development Corporation (GWRDC) and Wine Victoria and has been established to support grape growers and wineries in the Greater Victoria area,” Dr Downey said.
The 2012 Smoke Taint Symposium will be held at the Mercure Melbourne Treasury Gardens in Spring Street Melbourne from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm on Wednesday, 20 June.
Registration is free and those wanting to attend can RSVP via email to mark.krstic@awri.com.au for catering purposes.