Gone: Riverland Wine pair resign amidst wine crisis
Two leading figures at Riverland Wine – which was criticised by several members earlier in 2024, amid a disastrous year for many growers – resigned last week. Executive officer Lyndall Rowe and grower engagement officer Charles Matheson ended their paid roles with the advocacy body last Thursday. Representing over 900 local growers and around 30 wineries, Riverland Wine had been accused of a lack of action during the current industry crisis...
Local MP welcomes Senate inquiry into winegrape industry
A decision last week to establish an inquiry into Australia’s winegrape and processing market has been welcomed by Liberal Barker MP Tony Pasin, who says the current supply and demand imbalance is "devastating" the Riverland. The Senate agreed to refer the issue – which impacts the 2000 wineries and 6000 grape growers across the nation’s 65 wine regions – to the Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport References Committee for inquiry and report by 28 February 2025.
Calls for frost support
Hugh Schuitemaker. The Riverland’s state MP is among political figures calling for the State Government to support local wine grape growers who have experienced severe crop damage from frost ... Barker MP Tony Pasin said increased support was needed to ensure primary producers could sustain through ongoing weather challenges.
Frost and lost
Hugh Schuitemaker. Riverland grape growers have been left devastated by last week’s frost damage, which has been described by some as the worst they can remember. Ongoing low temperatures, which saw -2.2C recorded in Renmark ... caused extensive damage to vines across the region ... 919 Wines director and winemaker Eric Semmler said approximately 98 per cent of his Glossop vineyard was lost.
Dinner theatre production entertains the Loxton community
Sebastian Calderon. A highly acclaimed dinner theatre production that is sparking conversation about mental health and wellbeing is returning to Loxton. After last year’s success, ‘Kick off ya Boots’ makes a comeback in 2024 for a new glimpse of the Connor family’s farming journey, with the show organised by Little Town Productions.
Success for 2024 Riverland Field Days
Increased attendance and exhibitor numbers, along with ideal weather, all combined for a successful 2024 Riverland Field Days last weekend. With more than 12,000 people attending across the two days and 256 exhibitors filling the event’s grounds, Riverland Field Days executive manager Emma Gwiazda said that weekend revealed "fantastic results overall".
Grape growers preparing for ‘devastating’ frost damage
Sebastian Calderon, Hugh Schuitemaker. A senior local wine industry figure says some Riverland grape growers will experience "devastating" damage to vineyards from frost conditions. The Riverland recorded its lowest-ever Spring temperatures on Monday night and Tuesday morning, after near-zero temperatures were also seen last week.
