Scare gun blast starts vine fire

SHIRAZ grapes about to be picked were lost in a vineyard fire last Friday.

However, Black Wallaby winemaker Dave Lawson said most of the Bridgewater vineyard was saved.

He said because the fire was cool and slow moving, any damage had been restricted to the 1.5 hectares destroyed in the fire, started when a gas canister on a bird scare gun exploded.

“We estimate that a potential five tonnes of shiraz grapes were lost but we may still end up picking them,” he said.

“We’re not expecting any smoke taint as it was a cool grass fire. Most of the vines are still looking very good.” tal health and wellbeing support services and provided tools and a space for the community to talk about sensitive issues associated with the flood impacts from late 2022.

The event was supported by the National Centre for Farmer Health as part of its #buildingfarmspirit social media campaign and flood recovery grant scheme and Inglewood and District Community Bank Inglewood.

Friday’s fire started about 11.30am and was attended by Bridgewater, Inglewood and Campbells Forest brigades and a crew from Forest Fire Management Victoria.

Picking of this year’s vintage at Black Wallaby started as planned on Monday.

Black Wallaby is one of the Loddon’s most successful vineyards, collecting prizes at multiple shows over the past three years including gold in the Victorian Wine Show and the Australian New Zealand Small Winemakers’ Show

For Lease By Tender

323.75 Hectares – 800 Acres

To be offered in 2 Lots

Commencing: 30th March 2023. Finishing: 29th March 2026

Lot 1: ”Home Block”, “Old place”, “Woodies”

226.63 Hectares equalling 560 Acres. Approx 12 paddocks, water to Dams. Grazing and cropping allotment, sandy loam soil 60% - 70% arable with undulating land parcels and shelter belts

Lot 2: ”Wehla”

93.07 Hectares equalling 230 Acres. Undulating land parcel in 5 paddocks. Water from 4 Dams and waterways. Some timber shelter belts – 85% arable Mixture Mallee Ironstone & loam top soil to a Clay base. Currently mix of natural grass and dry wild oat.

Terms: 3-year period with a 2 year option payable quarterly in advance. Further option available.

Lease document and inspection by appointment

HIGHEST OR ANY TENDER NOT NECESSARILY ACCEPTED

Tenders Close: Thursday, 23rd March 2023 at the offices of leasing agent

Further Particulars: