This Newsletter’s ‘Ask A Winemaker’ was more a case of the Which brings us to the question, winemaker asking when Neil Larson suggested we tackle the “What is smoke taint and has it affected question many people are asking at Cellar Door “What is smoke our wines?” No surprises that Australia’s wine taint and has it affected our wines?” scientists are experts in the area of Neil expanded somewhat beyond this brief but with smoke taint. The world renowned team sentiments shared by us all here. at the Australian Wine Research With dad now pulling back from his involvement with the Institute have done some amazing Wine Club, should you have a question you would like to ask of research on this subject over the years, as has Dr Ian Porter and his team at La a winemaker please send it through to myself - Trobe University. alisterpurbrick@tahbilk.com.au - and I will ask on your behalf with the answer shared with all on these pages. Cheers, Alister. ASK A WI “This is a summer that Australians won’t easily forget, after a dry winter and spring the bushfires in Queensland, New South Wales, South Australia and Victoria have been horrendous and long lasting. Hats off to all of the emergency services personnel, firies, police, ambulance, SES, local government, state government and townspeople who have spent so much time keeping us safe. It has brought out the best in so many, and for others has restored hope in humanity. A common question asked is “How can we help?” If you’re not a volunteer or in the emergency services, then one easy way to assist in rebuilding these fire ravaged regions is to visit (when safe), spend some money and bring some happiness. Much as we like visitors to our Cellar Door, we also encourage you to visit Cellar Doors and tourism providers in Gippsland and the North East. Close friends in Rutherglen, Milawa and the King Valley have reported a steep drop in visitor numbers, so please take friends and family, an empty esky, and have a terrific time in regions that would dearly love to see you. Load up the car with a few cases of wine and some local produce and karma will repay you : ) 08 www.tahbilk.com.au@tahbilkwinery@tahbilkwinery@tahbilkwineryalisterpurbrick@tahbilk.com.au