There have been some tough times in the first half of 2009, particularly with the tragedy of the Victorian bushfires and the deteriorating economy. In spite of this, we have a wonderful collection of stories at Voyager Estate: some bushfire assistance of our own; a great vintage, slower than usual and with a mild summer resulting in ideal harvest conditions for whites and reds; the opportunity of hosting an important visitor from South Africa; the introduction of Estate visitor tours; and an interesting story on soil technology.

Voyager Estate took the opportunity of helping our Victorian counterparts by supplying and making a special wine for Mandala wines in the Yarra Valley. The opportunity of helping out our Victorian colleagues in this tragic time of need is the least we can do. See pages 6 & 7.

This vintage gave us the opportunity of hosting a young lady from South Africa. A graduate from the University of Stellenbosch, 23-year-old Ntando Buthelezi won the inaugural Dombeya Scholarship enabling her to see how things are done in Australia. Working with us for 6 weeks before moving on to South Australia, Ntando is a shining example of modern South Africa. An extremely competent lady, she clearly illustrates the influence the younger generation will have on South Africa’s wine industry whose innovation and standards have greatly improved. South Africa will eventually emerge as a major competitor.

We get countless requests to tour Voyager Estate. After the gardens, it is amazing the interest expressed in the behind-the-scenes technology. So we have introduced full Estate tours. Taking approximately 90 minutes, the tour includes a trip through the vineyard, a visit to the barrel cellar and concludes with a wine tasting. It is a great educational experience in understanding how we do things.

Quality-wise, grapes are wholly dependent on their environment. Climate is an obvious factor, but good soils, and therefore good location, are absolutely critical for quality.

Margaret River is one of the oldest geological regions in Australia with a patchwork collection of soils spread all over the place, making soil selection and location extremely difficult. Like the mineral business, thorough exploration is essential. Because of the rarity of these soils, residential encroachment is fast becoming a major issue. But that’s another story for another day.

Voyager Estate is very proud of its quality standards which begin in the vineyard. Few realise the time and effort that goes into this issue. I take personal responsibility for the enormous effort spent in getting soil assessment just right, for soils are the guts of the finished product.

This issue is a good read. And of tomorrow? Nobody can tell. But I wish our customers all the best in these trying times and as the great man said, “Do not despair. It will all come right in the end.“

Michael Wright

Proprietor