The McLaren Vale wine region is home to over 7300 hectares of vines, which were blanketed in smoke haze during the horrendous December and January bushfires.

How this impacts these world-renowned grapes is yet unknown as smoke taint only becomes evident when the grapes are fermented into wine. By this time vignerons have paid for expenses such as irrigation, netting, and harvesting. 

To support the region's growers the McLaren Vale Grape Wine and Tourism Association will assess the risk of smoke exposure through voluntary coordinated sample testing.

Although too early to confirm, General Manager Jennifer Lynch says initial assessments indicate that the risk of smoke tainted fruit is low as the exposure occurred prior to the fruit ripening. 

"It's been a devastating couple of months for our cool climate neighbours in the Adelaide Hills, friends in Kangaroo Island, and many other parts of Australia,” Ms Lynch says. 

“However, the spirit of inter-regional collaboration and generosity has been truly heart-warming.

“Many of our region's producers have hosted charity events, auctions and even donated labour and equipment to assist in fire recovery efforts. 

“McLaren Vale was lucky to be spared - we approach vintage 2020 with an overwhelming sense of gratitude."

Gratitude and compassion will be the hallmarks of this year’s vintage, with community collaboration raising more than $100,000 in donations to fire-affected regions.