RUTHERGLEN winemakers and viticulturists will invite industry writers and specialists to take a look at how climate change and drier weather might affect their product at a forum in Melbourne today.
The forum will be moderated by leading wine judge and writer Max Allen.
He will head a panel including Rutherglen winemakers Mandy Jones, Nicole Esdaile and Dan Crane, as well as viticulturalist Malcolm Campbell.
Ms Esdaile said while Rutherglen was already renowned as a warm climate, winemakers were asking what would the region look like in 2020 with a temperature increase of between one and 1½ degrees predicted.
“Rutherglen is already quite well placed in making wines suited to the climate and growing varieties to suit the market and we have some really old vines growing without much water,” she said.
Ms Jones, chairwoman of the Winemakers of Rutherglen, said last year the organisation made a decision to undertake a comprehensive review of the region and its wines, recognising that in an increasingly competitive wine market, the region needed to present a strong proposition to the trade and consumers.
She said while Rutherglen had been synonymous with crafting the world’s best muscats and tokays, the region’s table wines had enjoyed strong success from loyal consumers and visitors to the region.
Ms Jones said producers had tried many varieties over the generations and continued to do so.
“We understand that our response to climate change is the most important role of our generation,” she said.
“We believe Rutherglen is well placed to face the climate challenges of the future and is skilled at making wine in the current climate.”
The Melbourne forum will incorporate a presentation by geomorphologist Rob Gell and comparative tastings of traditional Rutherglen varieties, alternative styles and international wines from warmer climates including Greece, France, Spain, Portugal and Italy.