Last week, Southern Australia experienced unprecedented frosts that have resulted in “widespread and significant” damage to key wine regions, with local producers reporting losses of up to 90% of their vines. The frosty conditions struck on Tuesday and Wednesday, impacting critical areas such as Victoria, South Australia, New South Wales, and parts of Queensland’s Darling Downs, as noted by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC).
Among the hardest hit is the Barossa Valley, where Kies Family Wines described the frost as one of the most severe in its 55-year history. The winery stated, “Michael Kies has never seen a frost like this,” emphasizing the devastating impact on their vineyards. As a result, they warned that their 2025 vintage may be severely limited or possibly not produced at all.
Elderton Wines, famous for its historic Shiraz vines, also reported catastrophic losses. Nearly all of its old vines were affected, leading the winery to forecast a 40% decrease in production of both Shiraz and Chardonnay for the upcoming vintage. With Shiraz making up 70% of its total output, this setback is particularly significant.
At Fernfield Wines, the effects of six hours of freezing temperatures left every leaf on their vines “wilted and dead.” The winery is currently assessing the full extent of the damage, describing this frost as the worst it has ever encountered.
Seamstress Wine Co., which had already faced difficulties in 2023 due to unripe grapes, reported that over 80% of its vineyard was destroyed by the frost. After hoping to turn a corner, the owners now find themselves facing another substantial setback.
919 Wines has announced that it will be unable to produce Tempranillo for the 2025 vintage after the frost devastated its Glossop vineyard and caused damage to 20% of its Loxton vineyard. The losses are so extensive that the winery has decided to halt production for its contract winemakers.
In Northern Barossa, Atzes Corner Wines reported its worst frost in 35 years, with 80% to 90% of its vineyard damaged. The winery noted that some of its highest-quality A-grade blocks were completely destroyed, although its Nuriootpa block and older vines remained unaffected.
Curator Wine Co. faced a loss of 50% to 80% of its vines at the Marananga Vineyard, with significant damage to its Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon blocks. Additionally, both Kaesler Wines and Irvine Wines reported substantial losses, with 80% of their vines affected.
Even the esteemed Two Hands Wines experienced severe frost damage across its vineyards and those of its growers, anticipating a significant reduction in production for the upcoming season, though exact figures are yet to be determined.
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