Another vine mess for winemakers

For many Australians who broke out the bubbly to ring in the new year, champagne was the tipple of choice. Of all the wine consumed in Australia, 15 per cent is imported — and the famous French beverage, along with New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc and reds from France, make up much of the quota. With the buying power of the Australian dollar far stronger than it has been historically, consumers are the winners. The ugly flip side is currency torture for the domestic wine industry, reports the Herald Sun.