IN AN attempt to quench Australia’s thirst for wine, the Department of Primary Industries (DPI) has welcomed a new viticulturist, based at Wagga.
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And it’s a move that Hilltops wine hopes will boost the region.
Viticulture development officer Darren Fahey has joined the DPI team in an advisory role, which will see him deliver advice and assistance to winegrowers across the state.
Department of Primary Industries Leader of Horticulture Development Myles Parker said Mr Fahey would be extremely helpful and play an important role.
“Darren will co-ordinate the delivery of the DPI’s skills and development program currently being undertaken by the Australian Wine Research Institute,” Mr Parker said.
“He will be working closely with grower associations and groups to determine their priorities and enhance the profitability and sustainability of the state’s wine industry.
“Importantly, he will be visiting the regions over the coming weeks to meet with growers and develop specially tailored research programs to meet their regional needs.”
Mr Fahey, who has previously worked for the DPI in a soil analysis capacity, said he would act as a middleman between growers and buyers.
“For example the wine tempranillo - we can look at how it will perform in different regions,” Mr Fahey said.
“Can we develop new styles?” he said.
Mr Fahey said it was important to use research to work out how to meet the practical needs of the industry.
“I love the enjoyment that wine brings people, and the passion that each producer has for their product,” he said.
Hilltops secretary Terry Mulligan said he hoped Mr Fahey would help winemakers in the area learn and develop ideas further.
“Most of us learn from each other or from going to workshops they’re running (the DPI),” he said.
“He’s close enough to be in the area more regularly”
“I think anything like this that’s available so we can talk or to or bounce ideas off is a good thing.
“It’s always valuable to have even more knowledge, we’re hoping he’ll be able to come to one of our monthly meetings - at least to give him an idea to what we’re doing here and what our issues are.”
- With the Daily Advertiser
