Industry rallies for Australian bush fire victims

The Australian wine industry is still counting the casualties of bushfires which continue to devastate much of Victoria. Vineyards, wineries and many lives have been lost, with the Yarra Valley especially hard hit. Donations are pouring in from individuals and businesses wishing to help survivors.

Reports so far have revealed that Roundstone winery in Yarra Glen has been completely destroyed, as has Rupert’s Ridge in Heathcote. Domaine Chandon is thought to have lost several rows of vines, while the fires destroyed about 40 hectares of vineyard belonging to Foster’s, which has already donated A$750,000 to help local communities.

Stephen Strachan, chief executive of the Winemakers’ Federation of Australia, commented: “Our thoughts go out to those families and we hope that the devastation of these fires is limited to property and assets. In times of hardship, the wine industry rallies, and I know the whole of the Australian wine industry will get behind and support their Victorian peers during this very difficult period”.

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Gabriel Savage, 11.02.09