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.

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.

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.

Grapegrower and Winemaker: Irrigation

Croptide sensor in situ Cloudy Bay Marlborough. Credit: Cloudy Bay Water management is an increasingly visible part of sustainability and this is pushing the wine industry to review current irrigation practices in a bid to reduce usage. To read about the new technology and scientific research being used to manage irrigation in New Zealand vineyards,Continue reading “Grapegrower and Winemaker: Irrigation”

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”