Archived News
GWRDC seeks to appoint new Non Executive Directors - Details here
The Grape and Wine Research and Development Corporation (GWRDC) is an Australian Government Statutory Authority, jointly funded by the Australian Government and the wine industry.
GWRDC invests in strategic R&D that helps drive innovation and competitiveness in the Australian wine industry.
Applications are sought for seven non-executive directors of the Corporation Board for a three-year term.
To be considered for these part-time positions, applicants must be able to demonstrate knowledge in one or more of the following fields:
Grape and wine production
Grape and wine processing
Wine marketing
Conservation of natural resources
Management of natural resources
Science
Technology and technology transfer
Environmental and ecological matters
Economics
Administration of research and development
Finance
Business management
Sociology
Public administration
Applicants are requested to provide career and personal details (not more than three pages), noting those areas from the above list in which they have particular skills and experience.
Applications should be forwarded by COB Friday, 27 June 2008 via email to:
Bob Granger
Presiding Member
GWRDC Selection Committee
Email: bgranger@bigpond.net.au
If you are unable to forward your application by email please contact the Presiding Member on
0408 472 006
For further information on GWRDC go to www.gwrdc.com.au
The Grape and Wine Research and Development Corporation (GWRDC) is an Australian Government Statutory Authority, jointly funded by the Australian Government and the wine industry.
GWRDC invests in strategic R&D that helps drive innovation and competitiveness in the Australian wine industry.
Applications are sought for seven non-executive directors of the Corporation Board for a three-year term.
To be considered for these part-time positions, applicants must be able to demonstrate knowledge in one or more of the following fields:
Grape and wine production
Grape and wine processing
Wine marketing
Conservation of natural resources
Management of natural resources
Science
Technology and technology transfer
Environmental and ecological matters
Economics
Administration of research and development
Finance
Business management
Sociology
Public administration
Applicants are requested to provide career and personal details (not more than three pages), noting those areas from the above list in which they have particular skills and experience.
Applications should be forwarded by COB Friday, 27 June 2008 via email to:
Bob Granger
Presiding Member
GWRDC Selection Committee
Email: bgranger@bigpond.net.au
If you are unable to forward your application by email please contact the Presiding Member on
0408 472 006
For further information on GWRDC go to www.gwrdc.com.au
The Grape and Wine Research and Development Corporation (GWRDC) is an Australian Government Statutory Authority, jointly funded by the Australian Government and the wine industry.
GWRDC invests in strategic R&D that helps drive innovation and competitiveness in the Australian wine industry.
Applications are sought for seven non-executive directors of the Corporation Board for a three-year term.
To be considered for these part-time positions, applicants must be able to demonstrate knowledge in one or more of the following fields:
Grape and wine production
Grape and wine processing
Wine marketing
Conservation of natural resources
Management of natural resources
Science
Technology and technology transfer
Environmental and ecological matters
Economics
Administration of research and development
Finance
Business management
Sociology
Public administration
Applicants are requested to provide career and personal details (not more than three pages), noting those areas from the above list in which they have particular skills and experience.
Applications should be forwarded by COB Friday, 27 June 2008 via email to:
Bob Granger
Presiding Member
GWRDC Selection Committee
Email: bgranger@bigpond.net.au
If you are unable to forward your application by email please contact the Presiding Member on
0408 472 006
For further information on GWRDC go to www.gwrdc.com.au
The Grape and Wine Research and Development Corporation (GWRDC) is an Australian Government Statutory Authority, jointly funded by the Australian Government and the wine industry.
GWRDC invests in strategic R&D that helps drive innovation and competitiveness in the Australian wine industry.
Applications are sought for seven non-executive directors of the Corporation Board for a three-year term.
To be considered for these part-time positions, applicants must be able to demonstrate knowledge in one or more of the following fields:
Grape and wine production
Grape and wine processing
Wine marketing
Conservation of natural resources
Management of natural resources
Science
Technology and technology transfer
Environmental and ecological matters
Economics
Administration of research and development
Finance
Business management
Sociology
Public administration
Applicants are requested to provide career and personal details (not more than three pages), noting those areas from the above list in which they have particular skills and experience.
Applications should be forwarded by COB Friday, 27 June 2008 via email to:
Bob Granger
Presiding Member
GWRDC Selection Committee
Email: bgranger@bigpond.net.au
If you are unable to forward your application by email please contact the Presiding Member on
0408 472 006
For further information on GWRDC go to www.gwrdc.com.au
The Grape and Wine Research and Development Corporation (GWRDC) is an Australian Government Statutory Authority, jointly funded by the Australian Government and the wine industry.
GWRDC invests in strategic R&D that helps drive innovation and competitiveness in the Australian wine industry.
Applications are sought for seven non-executive directors of the Corporation Board for a three-year term.
To be considered for these part-time positions, applicants must be able to demonstrate knowledge in one or more of the following fields:
Grape and wine production
Grape and wine processing
Wine marketing
Conservation of natural resources
Management of natural resources
Science
Technology and technology transfer
Environmental and ecological matters
Economics
Administration of research and development
Finance
Business management
Sociology
Public administration
Applicants are requested to provide career and personal details (not more than three pages), noting those areas from the above list in which they have particular skills and experience.
Applications should be forwarded by COB Friday, 27 June 2008 via email to:
Bob Granger
Presiding Member
GWRDC Selection Committee
Email: bgranger@bigpond.net.au
If you are unable to forward your application by email please contact the Presiding Member on
0408 472 006
For further information on GWRDC go to www.gwrdc.com.au
The Grape and Wine Research and Development Corporation (GWRDC) is an Australian Government Statutory Authority, jointly funded by the Australian Government and the wine industry.
GWRDC invests in strategic R&D that helps drive innovation and competitiveness in the Australian wine industry.
Applications are sought for seven non-executive directors of the Corporation Board for a three-year term.
To be considered for these part-time positions, applicants must be able to demonstrate knowledge in one or more of the following fields:
Grape and wine production
Grape and wine processing
Wine marketing
Conservation of natural resources
Management of natural resources
Science
Technology and technology transfer
Environmental and ecological matters
Economics
Administration of research and development
Finance
Business management
Sociology
Public administration
Applicants are requested to provide career and personal details (not more than three pages), noting those areas from the above list in which they have particular skills and experience.
Applications should be forwarded by COB Friday, 27 June 2008 via email to:
Bob Granger
Presiding Member
GWRDC Selection Committee
Email: bgranger@bigpond.net.au
If you are unable to forward your application by email please contact the Presiding Member on
0408 472 006
For further information on GWRDC go to www.gwrdc.com.au
The Grape and Wine Research and Development Corporation (GWRDC) is an Australian Government Statutory Authority, jointly funded by the Australian Government and the wine industry.
GWRDC invests in strategic R&D that helps drive innovation and competitiveness in the Australian wine industry.
Applications are sought for seven non-executive directors of the Corporation Board for a three-year term.
To be considered for these part-time positions, applicants must be able to demonstrate knowledge in one or more of the following fields:
Grape and wine production
Grape and wine processing
Wine marketing
Conservation of natural resources
Management of natural resources
Science
Technology and technology transfer
Environmental and ecological matters
Economics
Administration of research and development
Finance
Business management
Sociology
Public administration
Applicants are requested to provide career and personal details (not more than three pages), noting those areas from the above list in which they have particular skills and experience.
Applications should be forwarded by COB Friday, 27 June 2008 via email to:
Bob Granger
Presiding Member
GWRDC Selection Committee
Email: bgranger@bigpond.net.au
If you are unable to forward your application by email please contact the Presiding Member on
0408 472 006
For further information on GWRDC go to www.gwrdc.com.au
New Editor for the Australian Journal of Grape and Wine Research
The Australian Journal of Grape and Wine Research (AJGWR) was first published in 1995. The late Dr Peter May AM was the founding Editor and applied his prodigious energies to the task of establishing a peer-reviewed journal. His standing in global viticulture, and especially his knowledge of European vine science plus his facility in both French and German, were decided assets in this regard. Peter not only undertook the usual editorial responsibilities, but took great interest in the readability and appearance of the journal; at one stage he even taught himself the essentials of page-layout software to ensure the quality of the publication.
The present team of three editors understand only too well what an amazing single-handed achievement those early issues represent. Peter’s diligence certainly set this journal on very firm foundations and in 1998 he handed the reigns to Adjunct Professor Paul Kriedemann who continued to develop the Journal’s standing within the scientific community both in Australia and abroad.
With manuscript submissions to the AJGWR increasing, Paul was joined by Dr Pat Williams as Deputy Editor in 2002, and under their guidance the Journal achieved an Impact factor in 2006 of 1.9 – almost twice that of the American Journal of Enology and Viticulture (AJEV) and Vitis.
As the Journal’s reputation has soared, so too has the work involved in bringing each edition to fruition. As such, both Paul and Pat have elected to take a back seat from July 2007. The ASVO is now pleased to announce the appointment of Dr Vladimir Jiranek to the role of Editor with effect from 1 July. Our retiring editors have indicated interest in remaining involved with the Journal albeit at a more controlled pace.
Vale Dr Peter May AM (1922-2007)
Peter May died peacefully in his sleep on 22 April 2007. One of Australia’s foremost viticultural researchers, he was not only respected in the wine and grape industry but admired by most and loved by many of his colleagues.
True to form, Peter led an active life to the very end, continuing to provide advice to colleagues, and as recently as February this year making a taxing trip to Mexico to consult on problems with grapevine flowering. His enthusiasm was unflagging, and his energy belied his 84 years.
While we mourn the loss of a valued colleague, we can reflect with some solace on his life in viticulture and grapevine physiology, and marvel at the rich legacy of personal achievements that endures. In particular, Peter was the founding Editor of the Australian Journal of Grape and Wine Research, and his diligence set this journal on very firm foundations. He contributed to several landmark texts, and produced monographs on grapevine rootstocks and flowering and fruitset in the grapevine.
Peter was Hungarian by birth (Budapest 1922), and spent his early formative years in Vienna. World War II saw him working on a number of different farms in Switzerland, and those experiences led him to study for a tertiary qualification in Agricultural Science from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in 1950. Following those studies, he migrated to Australia that same year, and after a brief sojourn in Gippsland, was appointed to the then CSIRO Commonwealth Research Station – Merbein in 1952, as a technical assistant.
Viticulture, and in particular the physiology of Vitis vinefera L.cv. Sultana, quickly became his professional passion. Driven by meteoric rise in his standing within the global viticulture community from work at Merbein, he was awarded a CSIRO Postgraduate Scholarship in 1963 to complete his Doctorate dissertation at his alma mater in Switzerland. Equipped now with totally original insights into grapevine reproductive biology, and especially the drivers of bud fruitfulness, he returned to the newly – created CSIRO Division of Horticultural Research in Adelaide to build on those experiences. His insightfulness and practical skill as a researcher, his infectious enthusiasm and his boundless energy, all contributed to a lasting impact on viticultural practices that became widely adopted within an emergent industry. Those impacts continue to this day.
In Adelaide, Peter was promoted to Assistant Chief of Division, and served as Acting Chief for lengthy periods. As a senior administrator, he became mentor to many – especially younger scientists; a source of inspiration; a stern critic with an eye to rigour, and divisional advocate for all. Those lasting contributions to viticulture, and his efforts in promoting viticultural research worldwide, were recognized with the award for the prestigious Urrbrae Medal in 1977, and a medal from the University of Bourgogne in 1985. As further recognition of his generous personal and professional life, Peter was invested as a Member of the Order of Australia in 1996, and as a Life Member of ASVO in 1997.
It came as no surprise that retirement from CSIRO as a Chief Research Scientist heralded the start of a whole new career as educator, editor and consultant. Freed from administrative constraints, Peter’s activities blossomed. Indeed, as family, friends and colleagues readily attest, he seemingly tapped into fresh sources of energy that sustained his endless quest for new knowledge in human affairs, plant science generally, and viticulture in particular. During that period, he spent three years as Visiting Professor of Viticulture at the University of Burgundy, and had a tour of two years as Visiting Professor in the Graduate School of Agriculture, Universitas Brawijaya Fakultas Pertanian – Malan, East Java, Indonesia.
Returning to Australia, he became Founding Editor for the Australian Journal of Grape and Wine Research in 1995, and applied his prodigious energies to this new task of establishing a peer-reviewed journal. His standing in global viticulture, and especially his knowledge of European vine science plus his facility in both French and German, were decided assets in this regard. Peter not only undertook the usual editorial responsibilities, but took great interest in the readability and appearance of the journal; at one stage he even taught himself the essentials of page-layout software to ensure the quality of the publication. The present team of three editors understand only too well what an amazing single-handed achievement those early issue represent. As a tribute to Peter May’s life in science, and the multiplicity of his enduring contributions to viticulture, a symposium entitled ‘Reproductive Biology in Grapevines’ was held at Merbein on 22-23 June 1999, with extensive sponsorship from industry and research agencies. Proceedings from that symposium were published as a special issue the following year (Australian Journal of Grape and Wine Research 6(2), 70-188, 2000).
While it is relatively easy to catalogue Peter’s professional achievements it is harder to give a sense of what he meant to his colleagues and friends in more personal terms. Peter was unfailingly modest, and never one to trumpet his own achievements. Perhaps his greatest legacy is the help he offered to other researchers. Many of today’s researchers can look back and say things like ‘Peter taught me everything I know about viticulture’ or ‘Peter taught me how to be a rigorous researcher’. And his energy was inspiring and infectious. As one colleague once remarked, Peter was the only person he knew ‘who could hop on a horse and ride in four directions at once! He had an amazing capacity to canvass a wide range of issues at the one time, and it was often hard work keeping up with him!’
Peter will be greatly missed by the grape and wine industry, but will be remembered with great respect and affection.
Expressions of Interest Sought for Editor and Deputy Editor of the Australian Journal of Grape and Wine Research (AJGWR)
AJGWR is an international peer-reviewed journal that has been publishing results from original research in grapevine and wine science for the past 12 years. Over that time, the journal has gained some measure of recognition as a credible source of new knowledge and useful practical insights into viticulture and oenology. Impact Factor and Immediacy Index are both well above the values accorded comparable journals that are published elsewhere, including Europe and USA.
Editorial arrangements for AJGWR are set to change in 2007, and we now seek expressions of interest from suitably qualified persons with a background in science publishing. The positions of both Editor and Deputy Editor will need to be filled.
For further information and a full job description, please download the job specification document [21 Kb PDF file]
Successful Oenology Seminar prompts call for Annual Event
Successful Oenology Seminar prompts call for Annual Event
In his closing remarks at the ASVO Oenology Seminar ‘Maximising the Value’, Robin Day (Domain Day Wines) advocated that such a ‘value seminar’ be held on an annual basis for the next three to five years. Given the increased need for the industry to become more competitive, at least a sub theme of the seminars should be a focus on productivity and process efficiency in both vineyard and winery. On a particularly warm October day over 130 winemakers and industry personnel gave up their valuable time to attend the ASVO’s Oenology Seminar ‘Maximising the Value’. A comprehensive program of presenters, from a variety of backgrounds, was compiled by the ASVO organising committee to provide the attendees with a plethora of options for increasing the efficiency of their winery operations.
A key focus of the day was the role of the consumer in determining wine sales. Consumer preferences for wine styles in conjunction with price, promotional offers, recommendations, brand, grape variety and country of origin were considered against the backdrop of an increasingly cluttered marketplace where it is imperative to add value to create a point of difference. Winemakers would also do well to recognise and remember that their notion of quality may well conflict with consumer preferences.
It is also important to note that wine sales are no longer production or customer driven, but are instead fuelled in the main by the distribution gatekeepers. Faster growth in supply rather than sales, in a marketplace dominated by fewer, larger players renders it increasingly difficult to maintain volume growth while protecting margins. Recognising that “The Customer is King” as opposed to the notion of consumer as king, is also an important paradigm shift.
The importance of innovation in both wine production and the development of new products cannot be underestimated. This is vital to prevent a further erosion of margins. More lateral thinking is required as alternative technologies, often found in other industries, are introduced to replace or augment traditional winemaking techniques. Suggestions included collaborative mechanisms for intake management and Lean techniques for value adding throughout the supply chain. The adoption of Lean Six Sigma techniques can overcome problems of inefficiency and poor performance. An example of the application of Lean techniques to a bottling line reveals relatively simple ways to reduce production costs and increase efficiency by up to 50%. A renewed focus on productivity and process efficiency formed the core of presentations on wastewater management and the importance of winery design and infrastructure.
Australian winemakers cannot afford to ignore the global context in which they now operate. Without a focus on efficient distribution channels we risk being forced out of the market place by the cheaper labour rates and less costly freight of our global competitors. It is not beyond the realms of possibility that Australian wine could one day be bottled in China and then shipped back to Australia. Winemakers must work with packaging companies, suppliers, industry regulators and supply chain service providers to ensure streamlined and cost efficient production if we are to continue to compete in a global market place. The unity upon which the wine industry has built its enviable reputation should be harnessed to ensure that this reputation is retained.
A key message of the 2006 ASVO Oenology Seminar was that the winemaker of 2007 and beyond can no longer survive as winemaker alone - he or she must evolve into a wine business person.
Appointment of Executive Officer reflects new stage in Society's Growth
In June of this year the Australian Society of Viticulture and Oenology (ASVO) appointed Philippa Myers as its Business Development Manager. Since then Philippa has been working with the ASVO Committee to develop its strategic direction and attendant business plan.
After many years of strong incremental growth it is now considered that the ASVO has a firm foundation from which to move forward in a stepwise fashion. Ever focussed on serving its members the Society has now decided to invest in the future by appointing an Executive Officer for an initial two year term. Philippa Myers accepted this full time appointment yesterday and stated that she is excited to be part of a new phase for the ASVO. “Moving forward into 2007 I am keen to work with the Committee to provide more opportunities and benefits for our members, and to ensure that the Society remains the professional association of choice for wine industry personnel”, said Myers.
The appointment of an Executive Officer heralds an historic moment in the 25 year history of the ASVO. The first full time staff member since the Society’s inception it is expected that Myers will now have the resources to tap into hitherto unreachable opportunities and oversee a new period of growth. The Executive Officer will continue to be ably supported by Val Rechner whom has spent the past decade working with the committee to build the membership and has, in essence, created the strong position from which the Society can now move forward.
Congratulating Myers on her appointment yesterday, ASVO President Chris Dundon stated that he was thrilled that the Society was finally in a position to employ a full time Executive Officer who would be tasked with implementing the new Business Plan forthwith. “It is an exciting time to be President of the ASVO” said Dundon, and he looks forward to a new period of growth and innovation.
ASVO Announces Program for Oenology Seminar
In an industry beset by a plethora of gloomy press items highlighting the difficulties currently facing grapegrowers and winemakers, the Australian Society of Viticulture and Oenology (ASVO) is striving to provide real assistance to viticulturists and oenologists. Amidst a climate of economic rationalism complacency is a luxury that few, if any, can afford. We must constantly seek new, more efficient ways to improve the quality of wine produced while simultaneously meeting the changing palate and disposable income of the consumer. There is increasing recognition of the role of consumer preferences in determining wine sales as evidenced by the growing number of researchers investigating consumer behaviour.
Prophecies of doom and gloom do not necessarily have to be fulfilled, however. On Thursday, 12 October 2006, the ASVO will host a comprehensive program of speakers at a seminar entitled Maximising the Value' - Maximise returns through quality and process efficiency. This seminar will address the immediate knowledge gaps of oenologists and focus on ways to boost the efficiency of winery operations. The event will he held in Adelaide, but broadcast via videoconference to regional centres in Western Australia and Queensland.
You will find the program on line at www.asvo.com.au/news/registration and registrations are now open.
“The ability to learn faster than your competitor may be the only sustainable advantage”.
(Arie P. de Geus)
If so, can you afford not to attend?
ASVO Applauds Pat Iland
The Australian Society of Viticulture and Oenology (ASVO) took time out from its busy program at the Viticulture Seminar to pay tribute to industry stalwart, Patrick Iland.
In recognition of the contribution that he has made to the ASVO since its inception in 1981, ASVO Vice President Steve Partridge presented Pat with a 100-year-old print of the Auldana Vineyards planted by Patrick Auld in the 1870s. Pat has given 14 years of service to the ASVO, spending many of them as Secretary and then Treasurer of the Society.
In this years' Queen’s Birthday Honours Pat was awarded an OAM in recognition of his outstanding service to the wine industry through research, writing and the teaching of viticulture and oenology. The ASVO congratulated Pat on this outstanding achievement. In response Pat thanked the Society and commended its services to those present, encouraging any non members to join a valuable organisation. Pat further commented that the wine industry “is a great industry to be involved with” and added that he looks forward to a continuing association with it. He stepped down from the stage amidst thunderous applause.
Outstanding Attendance At ASVO Seminar
Over 350 wine industry personnel attended the ASVO’s annual viticulture seminar in Mildura today. Brilliant sunshine greeted the 300 attendees as they arrived for the seminar entitled 'Finishing the Job’ Optimal ripening of Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz’. Elsewhere around the country over 60 additional viticulturists and oenologist attended regional video conferencing sites at Margaret River, WA and Applethorpe in Queensland to participate in the days events.
With seats scarce as latecomers hurried in, the day began with a focus on the ripening process from veraison to harvest. Presenters included Steve Tyerman and Renata Ristic from the University of Adelaide and Simon Robinson from the CSIRO. Following morning tea attention turned to the Shiraz grapes and the effects of irrigation and canopy management on shiraz production.
The highlight of the afternoon session was a presentation by keynote speaker Professor Mark Matthews, who had quite literally just arrived from the University of California, Davis, USA, Entitled, “The importance of being small”, Mark’s paper discussed the relationship between berry size, yield and wine quality.
ASVO committee members were encouraged by the large number of registrations for today’s seminar. Several attendees also commented on the size of the audience. “I am amazed at the number of people who have attended today” stated Neil Scrimgour from Provisor. All of the major wineries were represented, together with many from smaller operations. The seminar was not restricted to viticulturist either with many oenologists also attending. It is testament to the high quality program that many key industry figures joined the audience. These included Pat Iland, Snow Barlow, Terry Lee, Phil Laffer, Paul Kriedemann, Richard Hamilton, Leon Deans, Rob Walker and Neil Delroy. Even fathers and sons were out in force with both Peter and Nick Dry attending, as well as Michael & Tim McCarthy. The USA was also represented in the form of Luis Sanchez from E & J Gallo, California.
Chris Dundon, ASVO President, stated that he was excited to see so many prominent winemakers among the registrants, while Chair of the Australian Journal of Grape & Wine Research Richard Hamilton noted the high number of young, capable females who included Mary Retallick from Scholefield Robinson.
At a time when many in the industry are struggling it is encouraging to achieve near record attendances at a Viticulture seminar. Then again, knowledge gleaned today can only assist in the struggle to maintain ones competitive advantage in an industry where innovation and research have long played such an important role. The ASVO is committed to providing such forums for the promulgation and sharing of research and developments which will assist both the industry, and in turn its members, to survive and indeed thrive in the years to come.
More Accolades for the AJGWR as Impact Factor Reaches new Heights
The Australian Journal of Grape and Wine Research continues to elevate its position among international scientific journals. In 2004 we were gratified when a relatively high impact factor of 1.143 was accorded our journal. The 2005 citation status has just been released and our impact factor has leapt to 1.900.
A spectacular result that we can truly celebrate, and a further favourable reflection on our contributors and peer reviewers. We certainly thank our journal production team, Paul Kriedemann and Pat Williams for their ongoing enthusiasm and commitment and congratulate them on their success to date.
An Impact Factor is derived from quantifiable statistical data and offers an objective means of evaluating the leading international journals and reflecting their impact and influence within the global research community. It is based on measurements of world-wide citations that draw upon papers in particular journals, and more specifically, those that are abstracted and listed by ISI Current Contents.
Myers joins ASVO
Fresh from her stint as the inaugural Executive Officer of Wine Industry Suppliers Australia (WISA) Philippa Myers has been appointed Business Development Manager for the Australian Society of Viticulture and Oenology (ASVO).
The only professional society for winemakers and grapegrowers in Australia, the ASVO plays a key role in the dissemination of technical information to our Wine Industry.
Over the coming months Myers will focus on developing the profile of the ASVO in recognition of the vital role that it has in the future of the Australian wine industry. If the industry is to maintain its competitive edge in the global market and continue to maintain its enviable reputation for innovative practices, viticulturists and oenologists alike must remain abreast of the latest research and technical developments. Despite a plethora of technical papers and publications, an interactive seminar provides an exceptional opportunity to discuss current issues with those in the field. Recognising the importance of such a forum for the presentation and discussion of research and technical information the ASVO continues to present its ever popular seminar series. On 21 July viticulturists and oenologists can attend 'Finishing the Job - Optimal Ripening of Cabernet Sauvignon'. This will be followed by the annual oenology seminar on 12 October entitled 'Maximising the Value'.
In 2007 the ASVO will celebrate its 25th Anniversary and take pride in once again co-presenting the paramount industry event, The Australian Wine Industry Technical Conference in conjunction with The Australian Wine Research Institute.
'We are excited to have Philippa on board.” said Chris Dundon, President of the ASVO. 'I am sure that the dedication and enthusiasm that she revealed during her time with WISA will serve the ASVO and its membership well', added Dundon.
Myers stated that she is thrilled to have the opportunity to remain within such a dynamic and innovative industry and looks forward to providing ASVO members with the resources required to support the ongoing exchange of technical information, thereby assisting them to remain a step ahead in this vital but ever-changing sector.
Patrick Iland Awarded Australian Medal
Patrick Iland has been awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia in recognition of his outstanding service to wine industry through research, writing and the teaching of viticulture and oenology in the 2006 Queen's Birthday honours ...more
ASVO 2006 Oenology Seminar - Maximising the value
The ASVO Oenology seminar will be held at the Radisson Playford Hotel, North Terrace, Adelaide, SA on Thursday, 12 October 2006. This seminar will be VIDEO CONFERENCED to the Margaret River Education Campus, WA and other possible venues.
ASVO 2006 Viticulture Seminar - 'Finishing the Job' - Optimal Ripening of Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz
The 2006 ASVO Viticulture seminar will be held at the Mildura Arts Centre, 199 Cureton Ave, Victoria, Australia on Friday, 21 July 2006. The seminar will be utilising the teleconferencing facilities to allow viewing from remote locations including Margaret River, WA and Applethorpe, QLD.
Following on from the successful 'Transforming Flowers to Fruit' seminar held in 2005 where 330 people heard about the vine physiology behind fruit production, the ASVO has compiled their next viticultural seminar titled 'Finishing the Job' - Optimal ripening of Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz.
Focusing on the ripening period from veraison through to harvest, the issues of source sink relationships and how they can manipulate all aspects of fruit ripening will be discussed. It seems any understanding of how vines ripen can be attributed to the way in which carbohydrates are allocated within a vine. The speaker line up on the day will enable participants to have a better understanding of this process and also be provided with the latest information on the topic.
Our key international guest speaker will be Mark Matthews from UC Davis who will talk about Cabernet Sauvignon and the role berry size and vine water status can have on fruit and wine composition. Local speakers will present information relating to the main red varieties of Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz including Renata Ristic, University of Adelaide, who will talk about seed ripening and Kerry Wilkinson, Curtin University of Technology, who will detail green characteristics in Cabernet Sauvignon. Two case studies to reflect the more practical aspects of grape growing will be presented and encompass how decisions are made by winemakers to pick fruit using berry sensory techniques.
For more information please contact the ASVO Secretariat:
T: 61 8 8410 9855
F: 61 8 8410 9688
E: admin@asvo.com.au
W: www.asvo.com.au
ASVO Secretariat relocates
The ASVO Secretariat moved to new premises on Monday, 12 September 2005.
Our email and web will remain the same:
admin@asvo.com.au
www.asvo.com.au
The new address details are:
Level 4, 185 Victoria Square
Adelaide SA 5000
GPO Box 582
Adelaide SA 5001
New Telephone: 61 8 8410 9855
New Fax: 61 8 8410 9688
ASVO Seminar - Advances in Tannin and Tannin Management
The ASVO Oenology seminar will be held at the Adelaide Convention Centre, North Terrace, Adelaide, Australia on Thursday, 6 October 2005. This seminar will be VIDEO CONFERENCED to the Margaret River Education Campus, Bussell Highway, Margaret River WA and to The Centre for Food and WIne Tourism, TAFE Division of Swinburne, Lilydale University of Technology (Swinburne), VIC.
A registration for all the venues of the seminar can be downloaded here [430 Kb PDF file].
Please view the program which can be viewed here [825 Kb PDF file].
ASVO Seminar - Transforming Flowers to Fruit
The ASVO Viticulture seminar will be held at the Mildura Arts Centre, 199 Cureton Ave, Victoria, Australia on Friday, 29 July 2005.
"Transforming Flowers to Fruit" is the subject of this year's ASVO Viticulture seminar. Improving our understanding of flower formation remains a pursuit of considerable economic importance as well as one that holds keen interest for both grape growers and winemakers. Against this background, an excellent group of invited speakers will address a wide range of topics including: the role of nutrition, the effects of water stress, managing pests and disease and implications for wine quality. The seminar will conclude with practical advice for ameliorating poor fruit set.
Winners announced for the AWITC poster competion
The winners announed for the AWITC poster competions are:
ANDREW HALL, for Viticulture on his poster titled 'Remotely sensed grapevine canopy descriptions: relationships with fruit composition and yield'. This poster was collaborated with David Lamb, John Louis and Bruno Holzapfel.
PAUL SMITH for Oenology. Paul's Australian Wine Research Institute's collaborative team was Maria Birse, Holger Gockowjak, Markus Herderick, Mariola Kwiatkowski and Mango Parker. His poster was titled 'The effects on red wine of pre- and post-fermenatation additions of grape-derived tannin.'
LOUISE CLARK as the student winner on her project titled 'Vineyard soil degradation following irrigation with saline groundwater for twenty years'. David Chittleborough, Rob Fitzpatrick, John Hutson, Mike McCarthy and Rob Murray collaborated with her on this project.
ISI releases impact factor for AJGWR
The Australian Journal of Grape and Wine Research has just passed another major milestone in gaining further recognition as an international scientific journal. Three years ago, we became listed in the abstracting periodical 'Current Contents' (our first major milestone) which operates under the auspices of the USA-based Institute for Scientific Information (ISI). That agency has now released data on our 'Impact Factor' together with data for all other major journals that publish original papers in grapevine and wine science. In effect, an Impact Factor ranks the comparative effectiveness of a journal as a vehicle for publication of high quality original science. It is based on measurements of world-wide citations that draw upon papers in particular journals, and more specifically, those that are abstracted and listed by ISI Current Contents.
For readers who are registered personally with ISI, or have a listing via their research agency, these recent ISI assessments (July 2004) can be viewed readily at www.isinet.com (to facilitate your search, the ISSN for the Australian Journal of Grape and Wine Research is 1322-7130). An alternative address that you may care to try is: isi0.isiknowledge.com/portal.cgi
Given the brief (10-year) history of the Australian Journal of Grape and Wine Research, relative to other major publishers in this same subject area who have been in operation for 50 years or more, the comparatively high impact factor of 1.143 accorded our journal is decidedly gratifying. This latest assessment reflects especially favourably on our contributors and peer reviewers, together with our
journal production team.
We welcome your enquiries.
Twelfth Australian Wine Industry Technical Conference
24-29 July 2004 Melbourne Convention Centre, Melbourne, Vic
ASVO Committee members Garry Wall (President), Richard Hamilton (immediate Past President), Chris Dundon, and Russell Johnstone have been appointed to the Conference Planning Committee for the 12AWITC. Other members of the Conference Planning Committee are: Peter Høj (Chair), Sakkie Pretorius, Peter Godden, David Wollan, Louisa Rose, Kate Goodman, Michael Kerrigan and Rae Blair. The Conference Planning Committee is responsible for all aspects of the planning, development and conduct of the 12AWITC.
The Program Sub-committee is Co-Chaired by Richard Hamilton and Sakkie Pretorius, and a Sub-committee of 27 industry and institutional personnel (from many wine producing States in Australia) have been appointed to develop the formal conference program. ASVO members are invited to put forward suggestions for possible topics to be covered at the Conference on email: admin@asvo.com.au or telephone: 61 8 8303 6607.
A large technical poster display will again feature at the 12AWITC covering all aspects of the wine production/marketing process from the soil to the consumer. If you wish to present a poster at the 12AWITC, you can apply through the Chair of the Poster Sub-Committee, Russell Johnstone on email: Russell.Johnstone@orlando-wyndham.com or the Poster Coordinator, Randell Taylor: randell.taylor@awri.com.au or telephone: 08 83 03 66 00. See the AWITC website (under Program) for 'Instructions for the preparation and submission of abstracts'.
The Social aspects of the Conference will be developed by a Sub-committee Chaired by Chris Dundon with the assistance of Rae Blair (Conference Manager).
The AWITC and the associated Australian Wine Industry Trade Exhibition has been successfully conducted since 1970 for the benefit of the Australian wine industry, and the Society is very pleased to be actively involved in the planning and conduct of its 12th Conference and Trade Exhibition to be held in 2004 in Melbourne.
ASVO Seminar - Use of Gases in Winemaking
This seminar was held the day before the exhibitors' tasting for the Adelaide Wine Show. Invited local and overseas speakers presented a range of topics including:
- Advances in inert gas use in wineries;
- The use of ozone, and
- Micro-oxygenation theory and practice.
The day concluded with case studies from Australia and France. The proceedings this seminar are now available from the ASVO Secretariat or on the Proceedings section of this website.
ASVO Seminar - Managing Water
This Managing Water seminar was held at the Mildura Arts Centre on 12 July 2002 and covered a range of topics including: the status of our water source; modelling issues; benchmarking; water management practices; monitoring water use; and, the impact of applied water to our soils. Several case studies concluded the seminar.
The proceedings from this seminar are now available from the ASVO Secretariat or on the Proceedings sections of this website.
New Deputy Editor of AJGWR
The Committee of Management of the Australian Journal of Grape and Wine Research is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr Pat Williams as the Deputy Editor for the Journal. Pat will greatly strengthen the oenology editing to further build on the success engineered by Adj Professor Paul Kriedemann, our Editor, who has achieved listing of the Journal in Current Contents. This of course adds to the prestige of the Journal making it attractive to authors to publish their work with us as it will be internationally abstracted.
Australian Wine Industry Technical Conference and Reed Exhibitions Alliance
The Australian Wine Industry Technical Conference (AWITC) and Reed Exhibitions have formed an alliance to cooperate on the staging of wine trade exhibitions in Australia. Under the terms of the alliance, Reed has assumed the management of the trade exhibition which runs alongside the triennial Australian Wine Industry Technical Conference. The next event will be held in Melbourne from 24-29 July 2004. The event is jointly organised by the Australian Society of Viticulture and Oenology (ASVO) and The Australian Wine Research Institute (AWRI).
AWITC Chairman, Professor Peter Høj and ASVO President, Garry Wall, said: "We are pleased to have formed this agreement with Reed to manage our exhibition. As the world's largest exhibition organisers Reed will bring considerable experience and professional knowledge to help us take our exhibition on to new levels of value for both exhibitors and visitors, including the more than 1600 wine industry delegates attending the triennial conference. This will enable us to concentrate more fully on the development of our conference content and workshops in future years".
Reed Commercial Director, Michael Scott, added: "It makes sense to combine the industry's national event, the triennial Australian Wine Industry Trade Exhibition to coincide with one of our annual regional Wine Industry Expos. By combining our knowledge of exhibitions with AWITC's extensive knowledge of the wine industry, we have the makings of a perfect union of exhibitors and visitors. Reed and the AWITC will be working closely with the grapegrowers and winemakers throughout Australia to ensure that the series of trade exhibitions provide what the industry wants".
Varietal seminar - Merlot
Merlot is a grape variety that is proving to be a challenge to both viticulturists and winemakers. This was our first varietal seminar for several years.
The seminar was held the day before the exhibitors' tasting for the National Wine Show, Canberra, and included an integrated programme of speakers on the winegrowing and winemaking of Merlot. There were also presentations on the behaviour of this variety in Pomerol and Australia and a full discussion of the maladies that afflict Merlot planting material in Australia. As a bonus, there was also a talk on the challenges of marketing Merlot in the United States.
The following wines were tasted on the day:
1999 Irvine Eden Crest, Merlot
Barossa Valley / Eden Valley
A$28.00
14.0% alcohol
1998 James Irvine Grand Merlot
Eden Valley
A$95.00
14.5% alcohol
1998 Henschke Abbotts Prayer
Merlot 86% Cabernet Sauvignon 10% Cabernet Franc 4%
Lenswood
A$65.00
14.2 alcohol
1998 Petaluma Coonawarra Merlot
A$40.00
14.0 % alcohol
1998 Peppertree Wines Reserve Merlot
Coonawarra
A$65.00
14.0% alcohol
1998 Parker Terra Rosa Merlot
Coonawarra
A$40.00
13.5% alcohol
1999 Brand's Merlot Coonawarra
A$30.00
14.5 % alcohol
1998 Duckhorn Estate Merlot
Merlot 75%, Cabernet Sauvignon 18% Cabernet Franc 7%
Napa Valley
A$150.00
14.2% alcohol
1997 Castel Giocondo Lamaione Merlot
Indicazione Geografica Tipica (IGT)
Toscana (Tuscanny)
A$36.00
14.0% alcohol
1998 Chateau Belair Premier Grand Cru Saint Emillion
A$96.0
12.5% alcohol
1998 Chateau Gazin Pomerol
Merlot 85 % Cabernet Sauvignon 12 % Cabernet Franc 3%
A$100.00
12.5 % alcohol
1998 Chateau La Fleur-Petrus Pomerol
Merlot Cabernet Franc
A$275.00
13.0 % alcohol
1998 Xanadu, Merlot
Margaret River
A$40.00
14.0% alcohol
The proceedings from this seminar are now available from the ASVO Secretariat or from the Proceedings section of this website.
For further information contact:
Val Rechner
Administration Manager
ASVO
PO Box 197
Glen Osmond 5064
South Australia
Telephone: 61 8 8303 6607
Fax: 61 8 8303 6803
E-mail: admin@asvo.com.au