MELTON and Moorabool winemakers are anticipating a good season, with early rain leading to a plentiful harvest.
Witchmount Estate winemaker Tony Richardson says that while follow-up rain has brought the threat of mildew, there are still the makings of a vintage year.
“The season started with some good rainfall, which gave the vines a great kick-start to the season,” he said.
Bacchus Hill winemaker Bruno Tassone said spraying had been essential to control the mildew.
“We’ve had a good season grape-wise. There’s plenty of crop, a good supply.”
Mr Tassone expects the winery’s new releases will be well received. Among them are sparkling wines Allegria and Chin Chin and port Rosso Delizioso.
He said ciders were popular with the younger generation.
“When the young ones are looking for something that isn’t as alcoholic, they find ciders are trendy and tasty.”
Witchmount Estate has produced a flavoursome berry crop and its winemakers are promising a worthy chardonnay.
“Fingers crossed, with mother nature behaving, it looks to be a good vintage,” Mr Richardson said.
He said this year’s conditions were exceptional compared to last year.
“It was extremely tough last year, with a lot of disease pressure that kept the vineyard boys occupied.”
Mr Tassone invited wine enthusiasts to stomp on grapes at Bacchus Hill as part of Bacchus Marsh’s annual Harvest Festival on March 18.
Daylesford and Macedon Ranges Tourism chief executive Kerry I’Anson said this year’s season would help put Melton and Bacchus Marsh wine and food produce on the map.
