Author Archives: Happy Wine Woman

Grapegrower and Winemaker: World Bulk Wine Exhibition 2025

Image credit: World Bulk Wine Exhibition, Vinexposium Bulk wine is demonstrating a resilience not seen in other sectors of the industry. At just over a third of global production, the category saw a modest 0.3% reduction in value for the first half of 2025, compared with – 3.1% for bottled still wines. Despite this, producersContinue reading “Grapegrower and Winemaker: World Bulk Wine Exhibition 2025”

Grapegrower and Winemaker: Sustainability in Drinks Conference 2025

Image credit: Thomas Skovsende The second Sustainability in Drinks conference took place in London, October 2025. Founded by Judy Kendrick and Janet Harrison working with sustainability consultants Anne Jones and Fran Draper, the annual event brought together sustainability experts, products and services from eight different countries for around 300 attendees. To read more click here.

Grapegrower and Winemaker: Synthetic Biology – perception

Image credit: Australian and New Zealand Grapegrower & Winemaker, March 2024 issue In this, the final of four articles, consumer perception of Synthetic Biology is considered. Previously, the definition, application and regulation of Synthetic Biology in the context of wine production was reviewed. In this article, the challenges of bringing products to market, should theContinue reading “Grapegrower and Winemaker: Synthetic Biology – perception”

Grapegrower and Winemaker: The business of sustainability

Image credit: Wikimedia Commons In this article for Australian and New Zealand Grapegrower & Winemaker, I look at how sustainability and its associated goals have evolved. Carbon is being counted, emissions monitored and footprints measured, effectively changing the business environment in which the wine industry operates. To read about initiatives that are helping producers toContinue reading “Grapegrower and Winemaker: The business of sustainability”

evokeAG: Through the looking glass

How these innovators are harnessing biotechnology to transform health and nutrition Image credit: Andrey Nagaycev, Wikimedia Commons In a departure from my usual writing about wine, I explore another fascinating area of science in my first article with evokeAG. Biotechnology is changing the lens through which we understand biology, and in doing so is transformingContinue reading “evokeAG: Through the looking glass”

Grapegrower and Winemaker: Synthetic Biology – application

Image credit: Australian and New Zealand Grapegrower & Winemaker, July 2023 issue In this, the third of four articles, the application of Synthetic Biology is considered. The learnings gained from research and its application continue to contribute to our understanding of wine production and vine cultivation. Furthermore, the precision with which Synthetic Biology may beContinue reading “Grapegrower and Winemaker: Synthetic Biology – application”

Grapegrower & Winemaker: Tech development aids phylloxera detection

LAMP tubes in the field. Image: Agriculture Victoria It is without hyperbole that Dr Catherine Clarke, research scientist at Agriculture Victoria, used the words “vine devastator” to describe phylloxera. Speaking at last year’s Australian Wine Industry Technical Conference, Dr Clarke’s presentation focused on research findings about this high priority pest. Click here to read more.

Wine Industry Advisor: Sustainable Packaging

The Frugal Bottle. Image credit: Frugalpac An ongoing challenge for wine production relates to packaging, specifically the energy-hungry production and recycling of traditional glass bottles. Three companies are offering creative solutions to balance a preference for wine in-bottle with sustainability. Click here to read more.

Halliday magazine: Napa Valley

Caymus-Suisun Cellar Door. Image: © Simone Madden-Grey So glad to see this in print! I first wrote this pre-pandemic and then revised it after visiting Napa recently. I had a wonderful time exploring what is fast becoming a regular stop for me when I visit the US. Click here to see my recommendations, including aContinue reading “Halliday magazine: Napa Valley”