In early February, as the sun started to rise above the vines, Bendigo winemakers were out picking this year’s crop. And now, not quite the middle of April, most winemakers in the region have this year’s vintage barrelled up.

Early and quick are the two words I would use to describe the 2016 harvest. The region experienced unusually hot weather in the spring and a dry summer. Parts of the region had some welcome rain in January, helping bring in a harvest which, though low on yield, was very good in quality.

There’s sensational colour in the red wines, with a lovely depth and concentration of flavours. Winemakers report that they are very pleased, with all varieties performing well.

The white wines of this vintage will be bottled as early as this July, while the reds will be spending some months in the barrel. We’re already looking forward to sampling the final result.

I invite you to celebrate Aussie Wine Month with us in May at the Strategem Bendigo Winemakers Festival. Come out on Saturday 7 May, and enjoy a leisurely Autumn afternoon in Rosalind Park, in the heart of Bendigo. Meet the region’s winemakers and savour the white and red wine flavours our region is known and celebrated for.

Wes Vine
President
Bendigo Winegrowers Association