Lack of rain, sunburn, weeds, drones and birds.
These were some of the hot topics at recent wine workshops held across the state.
The Spring Vine Health workshops, which were held in six wine regions across the state, including Orange, Hunter Valley, Canberra, Mudgee, Riverina and Tumbarumba, aim to help wine growers deal with the season and learn about new technologies.
NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) viticultural development officer, Darren Fahey, said the workshops, an initiative of the DPI, were very popular, with 173 wine growers from across the state attending the annual free workshops.
Mr Fahey said drought conditions were a major focus of the workshops, which included a range of speakers from industry organisations, Sydney University and the National Wine and Grape Industry Centre (NWGIC).
"We were talking to growers about how to deal with sunburn and less water," he said. "We usually prefer drier conditions, because there are less diseases in the dry seasons. We would like to make it rain all the way up to Christmas and then stop."
Mr Fahey said the workshops discussed a number of methods growers could use to combat moisture and heat stress in their vines.
"One of the presentations dealt with using an anti-transpirant application to reduce vintage compression. It is a natural polymer, which comes from pine resin," he said.
The polymer helps leaves retain water and has no impact on wine quality, but produces a lower alcohol wine.
Another topic of the workshops was using alternate measures to control weeds in vineyards.
"Growers can use steam to kill weeds, which is more environmentally friendly. Growers can also use organically derived sprays, which are based on acids and oils."
A range of mechanical tools were demonstrated.
Mr Fahey said presentations focused on how early leaf removal could help protect against sunburn, and also how drones could be used to control birds. He said digital technology and apps were available to help growers monitor the health of their vines.
Tasty tipple is turning heads
It's time to take your pinot noir to the next level.
This is the opportunity offered to wine growers, with a free masterclass being held in Tumbarumba this month, focusing on the growing demand for premium pinot noir.
An initiative of the NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI), the one-day masterclass for 60 participants will be held on Wednesday, October 30, at the Tumbarumba RSL Memorial Hall.
NSW DPI viticultural development officer, Darren Fahey, said it was an opportunity for growers and winemakers to learn valuable lessons from national and international wine specialists, which could be implemented in their businesses.
The masterclass will cover domestic and international markets, pinot noir clones, cluster thinning, the effects of wine aroma, managing vine balance and optimising yield, and pruning for success.
Growers can register for the masterclass with darren.fahey@dpi.nsw.gov.au. Registrations close on Friday, October 25 or when fully subscribed.
