Getting Our Wine Groove Back As the warmth drains away along with the light from the day, I am nestled up next to the crackling fire with an elegant and spicy shiraz from the local Yass Valley region. At this moment, it does not seem like there is much wrong with the world. But there is, we all know there is.
People, families and businesses are all doing it tough, very tough. Wine producers right across the Yass Valley region are no different, they too are doing it tough. If the damage caused by COVID-19 was not enough, most wine producers were severely impacted by the smoke that swathed across many part of the region due to surrounding bush fires.
The 2020 vintage for many of our region’s wine producers has been a disaster, with many pulling the plug on the release of any of their wines into the market due to smoke taint. A wise decision, as there is a very real likelihood of damage to their brand and reputation if smoke tainted wines were to be released onto their unsuspecting customers.
If you have not tasted a smoke tainted wine, then consider yourself lucky. I have, and it wasn’t good, in fact it was very bad. Such a wine should not have been released. A wise decision was not made. So bye-bye to Vintage 2020, but wine producers around the Yass Valley region have many wines from previous vintages still available. Whether it’s a ripper Riesling from 2019, a classic Cabernet or a silky Shiraz from 2018 or even older – there are still loads of vinous treats for us to enjoy.
We are very lucky wine consumers in this part of the world. Venture into most cellar doors in the region and the person who is pouring the wine is most likely the person who made it, or at least they will have an intimate knowledge of the wine, the winery and its people. Some of the region’s wine makers are real characters, but all are passionate about what they do. Tasting wines in this environment really adds to a sense of place and purpose.
And now, as some of the COVID-19 restrictions are being lifted, a sense of normality appears to be not too far away. And now, our region’s wine makers need us. They need us to get out and about to their cellar doors. They need us to taste and buy their wines. They need us to hear their stories and feel their passion for the wines that they make. So, when you feel comfortable and safe to venture out and about, then do so. You will be warmly welcomed and richly rewarded by the experience. To plan your Yass Valley region wine experience, visit https://www.canberrawines.com.au/wineries/
Brent Lello – Yass Valley Wine Advocate