Bushfire smoke threatens wineries
Bushfire smoke threatens wineries
07 February 2011
published by www.abc.net.au
Australia — Up to 40 vineyards have been threatened by bushfires burning near Perth in Western Australia.
Workers in the Swan Valley were asked to evacuate yesterday, while in the middle of picking grapes for wine making.
Vineyard owner John Griffiths says although no grapes have been burnt, they’re starting to worry about smoke taint.
“Yep, we’re quiet concerned, we’re assessing our options on that at the moment,” he said.
“It’s a bit wait and see.
“I think it’s detrimental. The people at Manjimup and Pemberton (in WA) will know full well that smoke taint can be a really terrible thing for the grapes.”
So far, a bushfire in the Perth suburb of Roleystone has destroyed 59 homes, and is still burning out of control.