Wine industry members from around Australia have seen firsthand the financial and social impacts of a phylloxera outbreak, during a Vinehealth Australia and Wine Yarra Valley Phylloxera Immersion Tour.
Held Tuesday 26th and Wednesday 27th November 2019 in the Yarra Valley, the tour included a visit to a phylloxera infested vineyard where the 35 growers, winemakers and other industry members saw the impact of phylloxera on vine health. Dressed in chemical suits and wearing new rubber boots, the tour group used the dig detection method to examine vine roots for presence of phylloxera. For most, it was the first time seeing the tiny but destructive pests live in the field.