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Hot and dry weather events have become increasingly common across Australian wine regions, prompting questions from grapegrowers about the impacts on vine performance and fruit quality and what management strategies might help mitigate negative effects. Sunburn and Berry Damage All grapevine varieties are susceptible to sunburn, though the degree of susceptibility varies with variety and canopy condition. Exposure to high temperatures post-veraison is particularly damaging be

Bushfires and grass fires are an unfortunate reality for many wine regions. When a vineyard is exposed to fire, the visual impact can be confronting — scorched leaves, blackened canes, damaged irrigation — yet what you see immediately after the event does not always reflect the vine’s true capacity to recover . Effective post-fire management is about timing, restraint, and understanding vine physiology , rather than rushing into drastic action. This article outlines practical

Deficit irrigation is a precision water management strategy that imposes controlled water stress on grapevines during defined phenological stages to optimize berry composition and ultimately wine quality.

Flowering is one of the most influential stages in a grapevine’s annual cycle—yet it’s often the most overlooked when it comes to nutrition. For growers aiming to improve fruit set, reduce variability, and set the vine up for a balanced season, what happens nutritionally in the few weeks around bloom can determine the success of the entire vintage. Here’s why nutrition at flowering matters, what can go wrong, and how foliar sprays between flowering and veraison provide a reli

Frost damage is a gut-wrenching sight in any vineyard — blackened shoots, wilted leaves, and the sense that weeks of growth have been lost overnight. But vines are resilient, and with careful post-frost management, recovery is possible. 1. Assess the Damage Wait 3–5 days before making major decisions. This gives time for the full extent of damage to appear — some shoots may look burnt but will push new secondary buds. Mark the worst-hit blocks for closer monitoring over the

Hail damage to vineyards. What are your best steps to recovery?

In modern viticulture, the foundation of a productive and resilient vineyard begins beneath the surface. Healthy soils, rich in organic matter and thriving microbial life, are not just a medium for vines to anchor their roots—they are a dynamic ecosystem that directly influences vine health, fruit quality, and resilience against climate extremes, pests, and diseases. Understanding and enhancing soil health and nutrient cycling is therefore a critical strategy for sustainable

Cover crops are increasingly used in modern viticulture to enhance sustainability, manage vine growth, and improve grape quality. Why Grow Cover Crops? Key Benefits for Vineyards Cover crops are more than just green cover—they are a strategic tool for vineyard management. Key advantages include: Control of vegetative growth:  Reduced shoot growth helps balance the canopy and prevent excessive vigor. Disease reduction:  Lower canopy density decreases the risk of fungal disease

Growing premium wine grapes is an art that combines science, passion, and a deep understanding of the land. One of the most critical aspects of this process is soil nutrition. The right nutrients, in the right amounts in the soil can make a significant difference in the quality of the grapes and resultant wine produced. In this post, we will explore the essential elements of soil nutrition, how they affect grape growth, and practical tips for vineyard management. Soil is not

Growing healthy vines is essential for producing high-quality fruit. Whether you are a seasoned vineyard owner or a beginner gardener,...

Viticulture, the science of grape growing, is a complex and technical field. Understanding the interactions between nutrients is crucial...