SA grape grower Michael Stivahtaris counts his losses amid frosty weather

·

Grape growers in some of Australia’s most iconic wine regions said they have suffered crop losses due to unseasonable frosts, which are expected to persist.

In Australia’s largest wine grape growing region, the Riverland, South Australian vineyard owner Michael Stivahtaris has grappled with significant losses at his Monash property.

Stivahtaris reported that at least 20 percent of his crop has been devastated by a series of frosts that occurred in September – a situation exacerbated by low winter rainfall.

The Riverland typically has an annual average rainfall of 250-300 millimetres but only received 50mm in the past three months.

Photo: SA Farmer.

“Unfortunately, it hasn’t rained, it is very dry and we’re going to be susceptible to frosts right up until the end of October unless we get some very good rain within the next week or so,” Stivahtaris told ABC News.

“Wherever the frost has hit our crops, it has taken those vines out for the rest of the season. It isn’t a good scenario.

“If you’re in an area where the frost came through, any sorts of crops can be damaged: almonds, stone fruit, apricots or peaches.”

Source: ABC News.

Cretan Convention - Web Banner

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

The man for all jobs: How a Greek migrant turned setbacks into 7-figure success

When Christof Mantzanas stepped off the plane in Melbourne on 10 March 2015, he had just $1,000 in his pocket.

Jimmy’s Kitchen brings authentic Greek hospitality to The Rocks

Sydney diners can now experience the warmth, flavour, and soul of a traditional Greek taverna without the flight to Greece.

Greek Community of Melbourne enhances safety with defibrillator training seminar

The Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM) took a notable step towards enhancing community safety by organising a defibrillator training seminar.

Wills without the Trojan War

After nearly 15 years in the legal industry, I’ve lost track of how many matters I’ve worked on involving family disputes over estates.

From tech to health: Greek Australians driving innovation in 2025

Australia’s Top 100 Innovators celebrate those who turn setbacks into breakthroughs. This year, three Greek Australians are among them.

You May Also Like

Greek beaches place second in world at ‘Blue Flag’ awards

The Hellenic Society for the Protection of Nature announced 617 Greek coasts, 18 marinas and six pleasure boats won the Blue Flag award.

Kyla-Lee Janakis awarded for Modern Greek Studies at Macquarie University

Kyla-Lee Janakis has been awarded the AHEPA NSW Prize at Macquarie University's Languages and Cultures Student Prize-giving Ceremony.

‘ANZAC Bread’: How Australian flour fed the survivors of Genocide

The Hobson’s Bay had sailed from Melbourne the previous month with thousands sacks of flour donated by Victorian farmers.