October 24, 2013
The South Burnett’s wine industry has just faced down a “very challenging” 12 months, according to South Burnett Wine Industry Association president Jason Kinsella.
Delivering his President’s Report at the group’s Annual General Meeting held at the Wondai Hotel and Cellar on Tuesday night, Mr Kinsella said producers had experienced “mixed results” with this year’s vintage.
Because of the January floods, some vineyards took significant losses while others had fared better.
He also expressed his disappointment that the region’s popular Wine & Food In The Park Festival had to be cancelled in March because of the floods, but added he was very glad it would return in 2014, a sentiment he was certain every member shared.
He said he detected an air of optimism building after several tough years.
“I believe our region’s wines are now the equal of anything else in Australia, and some of the new varieties being planted in the South Burnett’s vineyards could turn out to be as successful for us as Verdelho has proven to be,” he said.
“The recent South Burnett and Cherbourg On Show October long weekend promotion – which our industry pioneered in 2012 – has grown by leaps and bounds in a very short time and is a credit to everyone who took part.
“And I also congratulate Mike and Jessica Beohm (owners of the Wondai Hotel and Cellar) on creating their wonderful new addition to our region’s wine tourism offerings.”
Shannon Scott (Taste South Burnett) was re-elected Vice President; Paula Greenwood (Paula Greenwood Mobile Book-Keeping) re-elected Secretary-Treasurer; Michael Berry (Kingsley Grove Vineyard and Winery) and Dafyd Martindale (southburnett.com.au) were appointed as committee members.
