The WiVitis project, a collaborative initiative across France, Germany and Switzerland, has generated a number of findings related to PIWIs and their climate resilience. The berry skin stability of multiple PIWI varieties was tested for heat resilience, sunburn resilience and Botrytis susceptibility, leading to the generation of a structural classification of epicuticular wax structures, amongContinue reading “Collaboration in the face of climate change”
Author Archives: Happy Wine Woman
Could the internal world of grapevines hold the clue to reducing smoke taint?
Scientists examining how a grapevine responds to smoke-induced stress are uncovering a myriad of protective measures. Everyone I spoke with emphasised how complex the topic is and how we are at the beginning of understanding this topic. Nevertheless, scientists have identified some of the genes responsible for triggering defence mechanisms, a range of chemical processesContinue reading “Could the internal world of grapevines hold the clue to reducing smoke taint?”
The Science Behind Disease-Resistant Wine Grapes
Mention the word “hybrid” in relation to grape varieties and many times the response will be negative. It is time to reconsider that bias. Advances in science and technology to combine V. vinifera and the mildew resistance of non-vinifera vines have finessed the breeding of hybrid grape varieties to a level warranting further scrutiny. ToContinue reading “The Science Behind Disease-Resistant Wine Grapes”
Why Climate Smart Vineyards are the Future
Weather fronts blowing in from the Atlantic or the North Sea are nothing new for growers in the United Kingdom. What is new however, is the impact climate change is having on vineyard management. In the words of Dr Alistair Nesbitt CEO, Vinescapes, “We’re thinking much more about vineyards in terms of how they canContinue reading “Why Climate Smart Vineyards are the Future”
Innovation and glass bottles
Manufacturing glass bottles is a carbon intensive process and wine producers looking to manage their Scope 3 packaging emissions will be keen to partner with companies offering strategic carbon emissions management. In Cheshire, northwest England, the largest glass furnaces in the world are located at the Encirc factory in Elton. The intense heat and rawContinue reading “Innovation and glass bottles”
World Bulk Wine Exhibition 2025
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, producers are having to work hard to balanceContinue reading “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.
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 “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
Biotechnology is changing the lens through which we understand biology, and in doing so is transforming our approach to health and nutrition. In this article for evokeAG, I review four companies and their innovative applications of a rapid developing field. To read more click here. Image credit: Andrey Nagaycev, Wikimedia Commons