Vineyard bug battleplan

By Kath Gannaway
ANYONE who steps foot onto a Yarra Valley vineyard will be expected to follow new anti-phylloxera protocols.
The Yarra Valley Wine Growers Association (YVWGA) last week released up-dated protocols following the discovery in December of a phylloxera infestation on a vineyard at Coldstream.
YVWGA spokeswoman Anna Aldridge said while no new infections of the root eating aphid have been identified, the new protocols are part of the association’s strategy to respond quickly and effectively to the threat.
The protocols cover all aspects of grape growing, winemaking and wine tourism.
The protocols have been put in place for the YVWGA’s Grape Grazing Festival in February and participating wineries are required to place barriers between their vineyards and parking and public areas.
She said the YVWGA’s message to the Yarra Valley community was that anyone connected in any way with the industry – bus tour companies, suppliers, people delivering brochures, anyone at all who has reason to go to a vineyard – should get a copy of the document and rigorously follow the protocols.
To get a copy of the document phone the YVWGA office on 5962 4800, email to info@yarravalleywine.com of visit the YVWGA website at www.yarravalley wine.com.