Field sample collection for rapid testing. Image credit: Lincoln Harper, Centre for Crop and Disease Management, Curtin University Botrytis, powdery mildew and downy mildew cost the wine industry more than $200 million dollars each year according to Wine Australia estimates. In this article I look at two techniques for managing pathogen populations in the vineyard.Continue reading “Grapegrower and Winemaker: Fungicide Resistance”
Author Archives: Happy Wine Woman
Wine For Normal People: Australia’s Alternative Varieties
After something of a hiatus I return to WFNP to discuss the alternative grape varieties being used in Australia. Elizabeth and I discuss varieties, regions, producers, the ongoing trade disputes with Italy regarding Prosecco and Nero d’Avola, and much more. It’s just the tip of a wonderfully diverse and drinkable vinous iceberg. If you wantContinue reading “Wine For Normal People: Australia’s Alternative Varieties”
Grapegrower and Winemaker: Synthetic Biology – what is it and how could it potentially benefit the wine industry?
Image: Australian and New Zealand Grapegrower & Winemaker February 2023 This is the first article in a series for Australian and New Zealand Grapegrower & Winemaker magazine looking at Synthetic Biology. First up, I look at how Synthetic Biology is defined. The science of Synthetic Biology has continued to evolve in recent years, much likeContinue reading “Grapegrower and Winemaker: Synthetic Biology – what is it and how could it potentially benefit the wine industry?”
Grapegrower and Winemaker: Data standards in vineyard technology
Shutterstock image provided courtesy of Map of Agriculture Group. Advances in viti-specific technology have demonstrable gains for the wine industry that include increased operational efficiencies, quality data for research and biosecurity, and improved certification and credential management. Digital and geospatial mapping is the foundation upon which much of this technology is built in preparation forContinue reading “Grapegrower and Winemaker: Data standards in vineyard technology”
Halliday Wine Companion Magazine: Technology and Tradition
Croptide sensors at Stoneleigh Vineyard, Marlborough, New Zealand. Credit: Pernod Ricard Winemakers. Bringing technology and tradition together in perfect harmony hits the right note for the future of wine. From smart watches for vines to self-driving tractors, technology is helping producers improve their green credentials while focusing on what they do best – creating aContinue reading “Halliday Wine Companion Magazine: Technology and Tradition”
Wine Industry Advisor: New Zealand tech on show
Image: Oxin Smart Machine Technology is offering many ways to streamline winery and vineyard operations, address labour pressures and reduce the impact of production on the environment. In my next article for Wine Industry Advisor I look at three inventions from New Zealand that are making a difference. Click here to read.
Wine Industry Advisor: Greenhouse Gas Calculator
Image supplied by Meridian Institute on behalf of IWCA. Credit: open license photo by Ben Goode sourced via Canva. In my first article with Wine Industry Advisor I take a look at how a greenhouse gas calculator developed in the USA has been adapted for the specific emissions factors in New Zealand and Australia. ClickContinue reading “Wine Industry Advisor: Greenhouse Gas Calculator”
Cellar Press: Return to Splendour
Something a little different for my writing chops – a piece in Vintage Cellars, Cellar Press magazine about Chardonnay in different guises. Click here to take a look.
Grapegrower and Winemaker: Sap flow pruning
Vines pruned using sap flow method at Place of Changing Winds, Macedon. Credit: Simone Madden-Grey Winter activities in the vineyard are underway in the southern hemisphere and interest in sap flow pruning is increasing as growers investigate the benefits offered by this method. Click here to read about who has implemented this method and whatContinue reading “Grapegrower and Winemaker: Sap flow pruning”
Grapegrower and Winemaker: Innovation in powdery mildew treatment
Thorvalds in vineyard in Santa Maria. Image credit: Kristoffer Skarsgård As growers look to reduce synthetic inputs in the vineyard, two recent developments in science and technology offer alternatives for combating powdery mildew. To read more click here.
Simone Madden-Grey : Happy Wine Woman 