Author Archives: Happy Wine Woman

Grapegrower and Winemaker: Technology in the vineyard

Image credit: Jonas Werner Hohensee At the nexus of organic viticulture is wellbeing and a holistic view of sustainable land management that takes into account vineyard health and the health of those working in the vineyard. This integrated approach to viticulture is gaining traction and being driven forward in some part, by advances in technology.Continue reading “Grapegrower and Winemaker: Technology in the vineyard”

The Drinks Business: Smoke Taint Management in Australia

Image Credit: The Drinks Business, September 2021 edition Wine production in bushfire country is immensely challenging and at the core of Australia’s bushfire response is the latest in scientific and technological innovation. Satellite imagery, machine assisted learning, nanofabrication and nanofiltration are being used by the Australian wine industry to manage fire damaged vineyards and smokeContinue reading “The Drinks Business: Smoke Taint Management in Australia”

Grapegrower and Winemaker: Eco-friendly Packaging

Wool sleeve. Credit: nzwinehome and wool hero I really enjoyed researching and writing this article about some of the innovative ways the wine industry is working to create environmentally friendly options when it comes to packaging. From wool to mushrooms to food waste, there are some exciting products out there. Click here to read theContinue reading “Grapegrower and Winemaker: Eco-friendly Packaging”

Grapegrower and Winemaker: Early Smoke Detection Network

Dr Ian Porter sampling smoke. La Trobe University, Melbourne Australia. In the April 2021 issue of Australian and New Zealand Grapegrower & Winemaker I speak with Dr Ian Porter about his research and work to create an early smoke detection network in Victoria, Australia. I also review the recent climate forecasts for New Zealand and consider theContinue reading “Grapegrower and Winemaker: Early Smoke Detection Network”

Grapegrower and Winemaker: Wine in a Can

Australian & New Zealand Grapegrower & Winemaker, February 2021 In this article for Australian and New Zealand Grapegrower & Winemaker I look at the updates in technology and research that are making it easier to put wine in a can, alongside the many benefits of using this packaging. To read the full article click here.

Grapegrower and Winemaker: Biochar in the Vineyard

Australian & New Zealand Grapegrower & Winemaker, October 2020 In my first article for Australian & New Zealand Grapegrower & Winemaker magazine I investigate the potential benefits of using biochar in the vineyard. What is biochar and how is it being used in New Zealand and Australia? To read the full article click here FurtherContinue reading “Grapegrower and Winemaker: Biochar in the Vineyard”

Gourmet Traveller WINE: Getting Around Gisborne

Wainui Beach, Gisborne, New Zealand. © Simone Madden-Grey At the end of last year I visited Gisborne, on the east coast of New Zealand’s North Island. Pristine coastlines, outstanding local produce, delicious wine and the warmest of welcomes are to be found here. In the February/March issue of Gourmet Traveller WINE you can read aboutContinue reading “Gourmet Traveller WINE: Getting Around Gisborne”

Halliday Magazine: Mildura and the magic of the Murray River

Paddle Vessel Rothbury on the banks of the Murray River, Mildura. © Simone Madden-Grey Australia is doing it tough at the moment with communities across the country dealing with bushfires on a scale rarely seen. The long term effect on the people of Australia and the country’s industry has yet to be quantified and theContinue reading “Halliday Magazine: Mildura and the magic of the Murray River”

Wine for Normal People: Martinborough, NZ and the Glory of Wellington Wine Country

Photo: Winery wall at Ata Rangi. In this episode, Elizabeth and I get together to talk about Martinborough and the Wellington Wine Country – a “tiny but mighty region”! We talk about the fabulous Pinot Noir being made in the region as well as some of the white wines you should also take a lookContinue reading “Wine for Normal People: Martinborough, NZ and the Glory of Wellington Wine Country”