Victorian winery makes decision to beat climate change

Source: The Courier (By Jordan Oliver)

WHILE the debate on a carbon tax rages, one Victorian winery has taken it upon themselves to climate-proof their business.

Passing Clouds Winery has moved from its original home at Kingower, north of Bendigo, to Musk, near Daylesford.

Their new location sits at 770 metres above sea level in a region which has far more rain and a more mild climate.

Passing Clouds winemaker Cameron Leith said his father Graeme decided to plant the Musk vineyard in 1997 in anticipation of climate change. He said Passing Clouds needed to go to where the clouds did a little less passing.

“Kingower was just getting a bit too warm, luckily we had a bit of foresight and planted a vineyard here at Musk just in case climate change turned out to be real threat,” he said.

“Up there we just got those really hot days in summer and it meant our grapes ripened much faster than we would have liked.”

Mr Leith said having grapes ripen too fast meant sugar levels increased too quickly and acidity levels dropped too quickly, which affects quality.

The vineyard is believed to be the highest in the Macedon Ranges, itself known as a cool wine growing region.

Mr Leith said these altitudes made perfect conditions for growing Pinot Noir and Chardonnay varieties, which the winery will now focus on.

The winery’s cellar door can be found at 30 Roddas Lane, Musk.