Teal tinge appears on new vintage label

KINGOWER wineries released new wines over the King’s Birthday weekend with one red varietal being given a teal tinge.

Mark and Christine Gilmore again drew inspiration from the political landscape for their 2022 Both Banks merlot, cabernet franc and cabernet sauvignon.

The Teal Year now takes its place with earlier releases that include The Leaders’ Spill Year and Carbon Tax Year.

“The vintage was characterised by a wet winter followed by a dryer spring and a wet end to the summer ripening period ... some grapes were even harvested in light rain,” said Mark.

“While this wine was growing and maturing the rise of Teal independents changed the political landscape in Australia.

“A focus on integrity and climate platforms saw some long-standing members (of Parliament) overthrown by Teals.”

Wine lovers were linked by a re-opened track between Both Banks and Old Kingower winery for the weekend.

Old Kingower’s David Reimers has just overseen his 48th vintage and retained the traditional cork stopper in his bottles.

His winery, supplying restaurants across Victoria, has been renamed from Blanche Barkly.

David said the winery name had come from the 49.4kg gold nugget found across from the vineyard in 1857.

But as wife Arleen said, blanche is associated with white wine and the fivehectare vineyard grows red wine variety grapes.

Old Kingower’s 2023 releases are the 2018 Mary Eileen shiraz and 2018 Johann cabernet sauvignon.

“We are excited about their development at this stage and their future cellaring prospects,” David said.

Menu change with cafe food regulations

DAILY records are off the menu for Loddon cafes after a change in State Government regulations on record keeping.

Cafes and other food premises had been required to record daily refrigerator temperatures and other data under their food safety program .

“Maintaining these records on a daily basis was time intensive for small cafes and restaurants,” a Government spokesperson told the Loddon Herald.

“Now businesses must demonstrate how they manage and comply with food safety requirements, rather than record data.

“Local councils will continue to undertake mandatory food safety assessments to ensure businesses are complying with food safety requirements

COVID-19 cases drop back to single digit

LODDON communities saw the number of active COVID-19 cases halve last week after a month of double-digit weekly cases.

Inglewood and District Health Service also lifted visitor restrictions late last week.

Eight cases were reported in local communities last week with just five active by Friday.

Across Victoria there was a 28 per cent decrease in reported cases last week with 6135 cases added to state figures.

The coronavirus pandemic has had a profound impact on all our lives so looking after your mental wellbeing is essential. It is normal to feel anxious, stressed and fearful during times of crisis. The Federal Government is providing support for the mental health and wellbeing of Australians as we face the challenges of the pandemic; go to www.headtohealth.gov.au if you feel like you might need some additional help coping with anxiety and worry about Coronavirus.

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— but most of all we are a community. We are in this together, and together we will get through.

VNI West – Have your say

VNI West is an essential infrastructure project to build a vital new transmission line between Victoria and NSW.

It will harness clean, low-cost electricity from renewable energy zones in both states and improve the reliability and security of our electricity supply, as ageing coal-fired power stations retire.

Upcoming community events

Transmission Company Victoria (TCV) is committed to working closely with communities throughout the project. We are currently seeking feedback to help refine the transmission line route. Come along to one of our community events to meet the VNI West team, find out more about the project and share your local knowledge.

• Monday 3 July, 4–7 pm, Boort Memorial Hall

• Tuesday 4 July, 4–7 pm, Kerang Memorial Hall

• Wednesday 5 July, 4-7 pm, Charlton Park Complex

• Wednesday 12 July, 4–7 pm, Navarre Football and Netball Club

• Saturday 15 July, 1-4 pm, St Arnaud Town Hall, Stewart Hall

You can also visit our website to provide feedback using our interactive map, register your interest to join the Community Reference Group and find out more about landowner engagement.

For more information visit: transmissionvictoria.com.au

E: enquiries@transmissionvictoria.com.au P: 1800 824 221