A new device is expected to save Australia’s wine producers hundreds of millions of dollars a year. 

Researchers in Melbourne have developed a smoke sensor can determine whether grapes are still salvageable after being exposed to smoke and fire.  

Wine Industry Smoke Detectors track smoke events like bushfires and burn offs around vineyards and advise winegrowers as to whether it’s likely to taint their grapes.  

LA Trobe University Researcher Ian Porter told Mike Hosking all they want is for growers to avoid the emotional and financial stress from smoke events. 

He says that in 2020, they lost $500 million worth of grapes, and they could have saved a lot if they’d had this technology. 

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