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”
Tag Archives: climate change
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”
Grapegrower and Winemaker: Sowing cover crops
Cover crops at Felton Road, Bannockburn, Central Otago. Credit: Gareth King, Felton Road There are many reasons to plant cover crops and if they are to be part of vineyard management, then the first task will be determining which sowing method is best suited to the site in question. Informed decision making in the earlyContinue reading “Grapegrower and Winemaker: Sowing cover crops”
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.
Biochar in the Vineyard
In this article 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? Further afield in California, the results of a three-year field study with Pinot Noir vines planted over different soil treatments are due to be released later thisContinue reading “Biochar in the Vineyard”