Wine industry newsletter

December 2022

New publication describes WA regions' uniqueness

A new publication from the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) has just been released and is proving to be well worth all WA wine producers' attention. The publication 'Geology, soils and climate of Western Australia's wine regions' is the most comprehensive document of its kind providing scientific basis to the uniqueness of WA's wine regions. 

Wine clone trial to reveal benefits to WA vignerons

A collaborative project assessing the performance of 14 clones and selections of Cabernet Sauvignon under WA growing conditions has bottled it's second vintage of trial wines. The project aims to help producers deciding what genetic material of Cabernet they should plant based on viticultural attributes and wine style.

Snail management webinar now accessible

A recently completed project on investigating brown snail lifecycles in vineyards and the influence of bait type and application timing has now been summarised in a recorded webinar presented by DPIRD technical officer Yu-Yi Liao.

Weather stations and spore traps to calibrate disease models

Newly installed weather stations and spore traps are collecting data in the Margaret River and Great Southern wine regions. This data will be used to assess available Decision Support Systems that model disease incidence and severity, thus providing growers with confidence that externally developed models are applicable to WA conditions.

Agrochemical updates

Over recent months the Australian Wine Research Institute (AWRI) has released a number of important agrochemical updates applicable to wine grape producers. The updates include emergency permits, the use of phosphorous acid and a new registered constituent all of which relate to managing downy mildew.

Brewers and winemakers address wastewater challenges

Last month, local brewers and winemakers gathered in Margaret River to connect and collaborate on wastewater challenges impacting south-west wineries and breweries. Facilitated by Innovation Cluster a number of potential solutions were workshopped and presented.

Swan District growers to consider water use efficiency grants

The Western Australian Government has made a total of $1.5 million available for eligible commercial Western Australian horticultural businesses to provide rebates for a suite of water use efficiency activities. These include grants to implement water use efficiency infrastructure and grants to implement soil amelioration activities.

Wines of WA Chairman's message

Independent Chair of Wines of WA, Trevor Whittington provides a reflection of the 2021-22 financial year and the strategic priorities that will be steering the state body toward 2024.

Future events

Events to be held early in 2023 include a vineyard soil compaction workshop, an extensive tasting of Cabernet Sauvignon clones and selections, plus an event dedicated to food waste, innovations in sustainable packaging and sustainability.

Important disclaimer
The Chief Executive Officer of the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development and the State of Western Australia accept no liability whatsoever by reason of negligence or otherwise arising from the use or release of this information or any part of it.

Copyright © State of Western Australia (Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development), 2022