QUALIFICATION CRITERIA

Vineyards, located in the proposed region, with an area of five hectares or more and producing, or with the near-term potential to produce, five tonnes or more of wine grapes are as follows;

These data are from a survey of the region carried out in 1999 and 2000 by the Shoalhaven Grapegrowers and Winemakers Association (Swarbrick 1999-2000). The survey also showed a further 12 growers with vineyards ranging from 0.5 to 4.6 hectares. Other growers have been identified subsequently but have not yet been included in the survey. Total area of wine grape plantings, and anticipated production for the whole region, by year, is as follows;

Actual & Forecast Production and Plantings for Existing Vineyards (Survey 1999)

Summary Plantings and Production Data (Survey 1999)

It is confidently anticipated that new vineyards will be developed in the near future. Following an early establishment of a group of vineyards in the Berry area in the late 80’s and early nineties, new vineyards have been established on a regular basis over the past six years over the greater part of the proposed area. Areas not yet planted have attributes equally suited to quality grape growing. The survey of identified vineyards and planting dates shows that growth in viticulture of the area can be expected to continue. The target of 500 tonnes should be met during the 2002 or 2003 vintages.

All current commercial vineyards (those that produce, or will produce in sufficient quantity to produce wine for sale at cellar door, or for sale to wineries selling at cellar door) are shown on the Locality Map. Of these vineyards Coolangatta Estate, Crooked River Wiones, The Silos, Cambewarra Estate, Fern Gully Wines, Bundewallah Estate and Seven Mile Vineyard have cellar door facilities and Crooked River Wines, The Silos Estate, Fern Gully Wines, Bundewallah Estate and Seven Mile Vineyard have, or are currently constructing, wineries.