Riversands stocks destroyed in Ballandean fire

You may have seen footage a few weeks ago of a warehouse containing wine ablaze at Ballandean Estate.

The fire destroyed a significant quantity of  Riversands Vineyard’s  wine stocks along with Ballandean and other stocks.  Riversands wines are contract processed by Ballandean Estate near Stanthorpe.

 What was lost
Riversands owner David Blacket said “After struggling all year to rebuild following the floods this is a cruel blow! We have lost most of our bottled red and white table wines going back 5 years including wine just bottled from grapes picked during the floods. We are however thankful none of our friends at Ballandean Estate were harmed.”
 
“On a positive note our valuable port and aged muscats in another shed were not affected, along with other table wines still in barrel. Most importantly the wine making and bottling equipment in the main buildings are still operating which means we can process our upcoming vintage.”

 How it happened
David said “The fire started in the electronics of a farm tractor parked outside the warehouse. It spread inside engulfing the whole building. Temperatures of up to 800C meant all stocks were cooked. Insurance issues are under assessment.”

 Where to from here
“Fortunately we have stocks at St George which will keep our customers supplied into the new year. Our cellar is still open for normal trading.”
 
“We plan to rebuild stocks and ensure there are no gaps in supply next year. This will be done by bringing forward bottling of stocks still in tank and barrel. We will also bottle and release some of the coming vintage ahead of schedule.”

 “Our wine grapes will be harvested in January and February. They look in great nick in spite of all the rain. In the interim we are again asking our loyal customers and suppliers to stick by us. We will be glad to see the end of 2011!”

What's happening now
Table grape picking is in full swing, with Flame, Menindee and Midnight Beauties among the varieties to hit the shelf for Christmas.

 
 

 David & Alisons two youngest sons help out with harvest - they're loading up some premium grapes for the Sydney/Melbourne markets

These Menindee seedless grapes are almost ready for harvest

Fiula and his nephew take a break from picking.