Life’s unfair sometimes with flooding in the eastern states and WA having what may be its driest winter on record. Last year’s 300mm shortfall, combined with a cool season in 2006, resulted in a 10-15% drop in production. With an average April, and virtually nothing for May and June, we could be in for another disappointing year which could create an embarrassing shortfall. But Voyager Gold and Mail Order customers always receive priority service as we value our Mail Order customers very highly. On page 10 is an informative article on wine decanting and other tips on improving wine quality, with a special offer on page 15.

Great news occurred recently at the World Wine Tourism Summit held at Leeuwin Estate, when the editor of the prestigious US publication 'Wine Market Report' Rich Cartière announced that Margaret River was the world’s greatest tourist wine region. Read Rich’s comments on page 4.

At the Summit, MRWIA President, Ron Fraser, declared "The natural climate and soils in the region allow us to compete on the world stage and the region improves every year. Given that France has a 400 year history of wine production, what will Margaret River be like after the same time?"

This wonderful accolade is recognition of those early pioneers in overcoming the prejudice of the market place and establishing the tourist potential of the region. Without their efforts and open-mindedness in using modern technology to achieve the quality standards the region is renowned for, our wine tourist industry simply would not exist. And neither would Margaret River. We’re lucky that families of many of those pioneers are still in the wine business today.

Talking of technology, we have been following up on ways to run Voyager Estate on renewable energy. In the first instance, we have converted the business to ‘Natural Power’ through our energy company, Synergy. We pay a premium to ensure that they invest in renewable energy sources. Secondly, we have been examining the potential of developing a wind farm on the property, on land not suitable for vines. As Australia’s first post-war Prime Minister, Ben Chiffley, pointed out, people’s hip pocket nerve often governs their decision-making, so it’s wise to remember that alternative energy etc comes at a cost. Technology is slowly making these alternatives more attractive.

And we finally commissioned our water recycling plant. After months of delays the system is up and running. The rules are simple: if it performs satisfactorily for 12 months we will be licensed to recycle water, a real saving particularly if we have another dry season.

All in all it has been very interesting few months. And there’s plenty to read in this issue.

Michael Wright

Proprietor