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The grape drying industry in Australia had its genesis in the establishment by the Chafiey brothers in 1887 of Renmark and Mildura as irrigation settlements on the River Murray. At first mainly tree fruits were grown, but vines proved to be more hardy and tolerant of the conditions, particularly at Mildura.
The vines usually planted were Gordo (Muscat Gordo’ Blanco, Muscat of Alexandria) and Currant (Zante Currant), although in 1890 some small plantings of Sultana (Thompson Seedless) were made.
It was soon obvious to the growers that the Sultana was a more reliable bearer, and thus it became the most extensively planted variety.
Drying of Grapes in Australia
1976, Food technology in Australia, vol 28, issue 2, month 2, pages 66-76
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