Source: vino-joy.com
Unprecedented frosts hit Southern Australia last week, causing “widespread and significant” damage to the wine region, wiping out up to 90% of vines, according to local producers.
In the most extreme case, some wineries are facing the risk of a complete loss of their 2025 vintage.
The frost struck last Tuesday and Wednesday, hitting key wine regions including Victoria, South Australia, New South Wales, and parts of Queensland’s Darling Downs, as reported by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC).
In the Barossa Valley, Kies Family Wines reported one of the worst frosts in its 55-year history. “Michael Kies has never seen a frost like this,” the winery stated. With the extent of damage to their vines, they warned that the 2025 vintage may be severely limited, or not produced at all.
Elderton Wines, known for its old Shiraz vines, also suffered catastrophic losses. The frost affected nearly all of its historic vines, with the winery forecasting a 40% drop in Shiraz and Chardonnay production for the 2025 vintage. Shiraz accounts for 70% of the winery’s total production, making this a significant setback.
At Fernfield Wines, six freezing hours left every leaf on their vines “wilted and dead.” The winery is still assessing the full extent of the damage but described it as the worst frost it has ever faced.
The newly launched Seamstress Wine Co., which had already faced struggles in 2023 due to unripe grapes, reported over 80% of its vineyard was destroyed by frost. The owners, who had hoped to finally turn a corner, are now facing yet another devastating blow.
919 Wines announced it will be unable to produce Tempranillo for its 2025 vintage after the frost wiped out its Glossop vineyard and 20% of its Loxton vineyard. The losses are so severe that the winery will halt wine production for its contract winemakers.
In Northern Barossa, Atzes Corner Wines reported the worst frost in 35 years, with 80% to 90% of its vineyard damaged. Some of their highest-quality A-grade blocks were entirely destroyed, though their Nuriootpa block and old vines were spared.
Curator Wine Co. lost 50% to 80% of its vines at its Marananga Vineyard, including significant damage to its Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon blocks. Meanwhile, Kaesler Wines and Irvine Wines both suffered substantial losses, with 80% of their vines damaged.
Even the renowned Two Hands Wines was not spared. The winery reported severe frost damage across its vineyards and those of its growers, expecting a major reduction in production for the upcoming season, although exact figures have not yet been confirmed.