In a significant prelude to the 2024 vintage, over 100 local winemakers, vignerons, and representatives from the tourism industry gathered at Tyrrell’s Wines for the traditional Hunter Valley Vintage Smoking Ceremony. Conducted by the Hunter Valley Wine and Tourism Association, the ceremony, led by local Wannaruah elder Uncle Warren, holds cultural significance as it aims to cleanse and purify the upcoming harvest from negative energy, both physically and spiritually.
The age-old practice involves burning indigenous plants like eucalyptus or emu bush to create smoke with antimicrobial properties. This smoke is then transferred to the vines and soil, providing protection and positive energy for the vineyards. Uncle Warren explained that the ceremony establishes a profound connection with the land, seeking the support of Mother Nature and the spirits of Baiame and Kawal to ensure the wellbeing of the vineyards and a successful harvest.
Chris Tyrrell, President of the Hunter Valley Wine and Tourism Association, highlighted the ceremony’s integral role in the industry, enhancing the connection with the land and seeking the endorsement and safeguarding of nature and ancestral spirits for the vineyards. The event signifies a collaborative bond between vineyard owners and local Indigenous communities, fostering a deep-rooted appreciation for the land and its cultural heritage.
As the Hunter Valley harvest season is underway, with white varietals like Chardonnay and Semillon already picked and crushed into juice, the ceremony sets the tone for the upcoming weeks when red varietals are expected to be ready for harvest. The industry embraces this traditional ritual, acknowledging its role in fostering a harmonious relationship between winemaking and the cultural heritage of the land.
