Press release: Successful grant application

Press Release: 30 May 2013              

Macedon Ranges Vignerons Association.
Successful grant application for sustainable viticulture from Federal Government.

In early 2013, the Federal Government Community Landcare grants were announced for regional projects to improve land management practices (Community Landcare Grants 2013-14). Two grant applications were made in March 2013 by the Macedon Ranges Vignerons Association (MRVA). The applications were successful and $40,000 has been awarded.

The Australian Wine Research Institute (AWRI) will consult with growers and conduct the training in Managing grapevine nutrition in a changing climate, and Integrated Pest Management (IPM) for changing viticultural environments.

The purpose is to:

  • Help to maintain a high standard of grape growing in the region with careful environmental management of the vineyards, essential to their productivity, longevity and superior wine quality.
  • Assist the viticulturalist to use recognized practices in IPM and plant nutrition to ensure the native flora and fauna is unaffected by vineyard activities and the health of the countryside is maintained.
  • Promote the responsible care of farmland. This aligns with the Macedon Ranges Shire’s environmental Program in relation to Tourism and Business.

The high standard of grape growing and the careful use of fertilizers will lead to healthy plants which are better able to withstand the environmental challenges such as hotter, drier seasons.

This grant will assist the region’s wine makers in meeting environmental expectations for quality and environmental stewardship among neighbours, consumers and retailers.

Invitation to other regions to participate

Wine regions adjacent to the Macedon Ranges will be invited to participate in the workshops. These include Heathcote, Bendigo and Sunbury.

About the Macedon Ranges Vignerons Association - MRVA

The MRVA is an association of grape-growers and winemakers of the Macedon Ranges Wine Region and its purposes include the encouragement and promotion of a high standard of grape growing and winemaking in the Region. This is to enhance the reputation, prestige, authenticity and unique character of wines of the Region.

The MRVA has been in existence for nearly 10 years and was formed by the members of two previous associations, the Macedon Vignerons Association and the Kyneton Vignerons Association, upon  the cessation of those two associations. The MRVA was formed to include the areas of Kyneton and Daylesford into the Geographical Indication wine region known as Macedon Ranges Wine Region. The wineries have the right to use the name Macedon Ranges on their wine labels.

There are some 70 plus wineries and vineyards in the region of which currently 40 plus are members of the Association.

The Macedon Ranges Wine Region is an approximate rectangle extending from Mt William in the east, Metcalfe in the north, Daylesford in the west and Gisborne in the south. The region is split by the Great Dividing Range, with the Mt Macedon spur as its most dominating feature. Its vineyards range in elevation from 280m to 800m, creating a diversity of climate and topography and resulting in a large range of wine styles including excellent sparkling, table wines and aromatics. The region is known for its cool climate, especially cool nights, even in midsummer, resulting in an extended ripening time. Harvest time is often into late Autumn, among the latest in Australia.

Field days & Workshops held recently by the MRVA.

  • Benchmarking Macedon Ranges Wines (2013) - Four evening workshops conducted by Alex Wilcox of Prince Wine Store Melbourne.
  • Half day seminar on Fermentation Techniques for Cool regions (2013) conducted by Dr. Andrew Markides.
  • European Wasps evening workshop conducted by Dr. Graham Ellender. (2012)
  • Bunchzone Temperature Measurement project (2010 vintage), supervised by Dr. Erika Winter, involving 10 wineries spread across the region. Additional part of project: Berry Sensory Assessment.

Further information about MRVA can be obtained from:
Terry South,
Hon Secretary
Macedon Ranges Vignerons Assoc. Inc.
PO Box 138 Trentham 3458
ph. (03)5424 1082
Mob. 0404 800 950
email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
www.macedonrangeswine.com.au

 

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