The coronavirus pandemic is hitting hard as the region's grape growers and winemakers complete their harvest.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
But the Ballarat and District Vignerons Association wants to make sure no grapes go to waste because of financial stress.
The closure of restaurants and bans on social gatherings, functions and weddings has cut winemakers off from their major customers, placing many under financial pressure.
One winemaker told The Courier last week he would have to make some tough decisions during harvest because their financial situation meant he may not be able to purchase all grapes planned.
We are keeping on making wine as planned. We absolutely have to.
- Michael Unwin, Michael Unwin Wines
Key member of the Ballarat and District Vignerons Association Michael Unwin said the association would help any growers who could not sell their grapes to connect with other wineries who could purchase the fruit.
"If there are unused grapes, as an association we will help growers out," he said.
"Not purchasing grapes might be a call some winemakers have to make, but it would be a shame not to process the fruit.
"If it is left for birds to eat, it it is worth nothing. If it gets processed to wine it is valuable."
RELATED COVERAGE: New online directory to find your favourite takeaway food amid COVID-19
Michael Unwin Wines is now busy harvesting grapes and beginning the wine making process at its new winery and cellar door at Windermere, ensuring precautions for staff, transport workers and visitors are in place.
"We are keeping on making wine as planned. We absolutely have to," Mr Unwin said.
"Grapes only have a window of a week or 10 days when you can pick them. If you go past that they will be overripe or the birds will pick them.
"Once you pick them you have to process them straight away. We can't walk away from it. We will be busy for two months."
Mr Unwin said COVID-19 would not affect the wine making process, but he was concerned by the loss of wholesale customers.
"Restaurants and cafes are all closed. But what is lovely is Cellarbrations and Ryans are constantly making sure they have our local produce and I think their alcohol sales are strong," he said.
"That side of our sales is wonderful. They are family owned businesses and they come straight to us to make sure we're okay and we really appreciate that."
RELATED COVERAGE:
Mr Unwin said wine from this season would be in high demand as growers had produced small crops with 'very high' quality grapes, meaning it was important no grapes went to waste due to financial stress.
"The Ballarat and District Vignerons Association is an important group because this is a small wine growing region with small vineyards and wine makers," he said.
"It is important to have an association because people can get a bit lost on their own. Wine making industry groups are powerful so we try hard to make it relevant. The association is here for times like this."
Customers can continue to purchase wine produced in Ballarat and the surrounding region during the coronavirus outbreak online, at some liquor stores or by calling wineries directly to arrange pick up.
Mitchell Harris Wines is also offering delivery of a 'wine-rescue package' of three local wines.
We have removed our paywall from our stories about the coronavirus. This is a rapidly changing situation and we aim to make sure our readers are as informed as possible. If you would like to support our journalists you can subscribe here.