Vintage - it's all over for one happy winemaker

Producing the 2011 wine vintage in Queensland has required large doses of faith, patience and perseverance for winemakers like Dylan Rhymer (left).  Vintage ended today for Dylan and the team at Ballandean Estate, and they are mighty happy.  According to a release issued by the winery, "With Mother Nature throwing everything from way too much rain to difficult to control disease outbreaks, it has come as a relief to pick the last of the 2011 vintage at Ballandean Estate.  Get the full story here... However despite the complications, there are already whispers of some hidden gems amongst the vines." They didn't elaborate so we'll all just have to watch this space, or if you are impatient, pop into the cellar door and ask them more. But across the Granite Belt other winemakers are still picking and processing grapes but most should be complete by the end of April.  However it has been a funny old year...