Australian Cabernet symposium comes to WA
Western Australian Cabernet Sauvignon producers, growers, suppliers, students and marketers can now secure tickets to Australia’s only Cabernet Sauvignon conference, the Australian Cabernet Symposium (ACS), which returns on Thursday 1 February 2024.
For the first time, delegates can attend the triannual event from either Coonawarra or Margaret River.
Traditionally hosted by Coonawarra Grape and Wine Incorporated (CGWI) in South Australia’s Coonawarra wine region, in 2024 the ACS is being presented in association with Wines of Western Australia (WoWA) and sees the joining of forces of Australia’s premier Cabernet Sauvignon producing regions, Coonawarra and Margaret River.
ACS Committee Chair Dr Catherine Kidman said that the 2024 event will be the biggest Australian Cabernet Symposium ever produced.
“We are delighted to be working with our WA colleagues to bring to life the most comprehensive program to date. Led by acclaimed journalist, drinks writer and author Katie Spain as emcee, the symposium will showcase a stellar line-up of international and Australian experts who are all passionate about the world of Cabernet,” she said.
With speakers hailing from France, Hawke’s Bay, Napa Valley, Scotland, Adelaide, Coonawarra and Margaret River, the 2024 ACS will explore and showcase the latest global developments in Cabernet in the fields of wine research, viticulture and winemaking, focusing on the theme 'Supporting Cabernet Sauvignon into the Future'.
The 2024 Australian Cabernet Symposium presenters are as follows. For more information on their presentation topics, visit australiancabernetsymposium.com
- Rodrigo Laytte (France) - Fine Wines and Terroir Consultant, former International Technical Director for Moët Hennessy Wine Division and former Technical Director at Château Kirwan, Grand Cru Classé de Margaux.
- Phil Brodie (NZ) – Senior Winemaker at Te Mata in Hawke’s Bay, famous for crafting one of New Zealand’s most revered reds, Coleraine.
- Vanya Cullen OAM (Aus) – Chief Winemaker at Australia’s first 100% carbon neutral winery, Cullen Wines, and a pioneer of biodynamic and organic practices.
- Prof Stephen Tyerman (Aus), a plant physiology researcher from the University of Adelaide who will explore predictors of cell death and berry shrivel and key learnings for Cabernet producers.
- Kym Anderson AC (Aus), George Gollin Professor Emeritus at the University of Adelaide and founding Executive Director of its Wine Economics Research Centre, and Vice-President of the American Association of Wine Economists and Co-Editor of its Journal of Wine Economics.
- Dr Vinay Pagay (Aus), senior lecturer at the University of Adelaide and co-founder of Athena IR-Tech.
- Dr Roger Boulton (USA) presenting via video - Emeritus Distinguished Professor of Enology and Chemical Engineering Department of Viticulture and Enology at the University of California, Davis.
- Ross Sanders (AUS/UK) presenting via video - Research Scientist - Knowledge Transfer Partnership Associate, Diageo Scotland and Heriot-Watt University.
- Trevor Durling (USA) presenting via video - Chief Winemaker at Beaulieu Vineyard, renowned for crafting the legendary Napa Valley Cabernet, Georges de Latour.
The ACS would like to acknowledge the support of Wine Australia’s Regional Program, Limestone Coast Grape & Wine Council Inc and the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (WA) and our sponsors Hancock Insurance, Elders, Nutrien Ag Solutions, 36° South Beef, and Wattle Range Council; who without their generous support the ACS would not be happening.
To book tickets and for more information about the Australian Cabernet Symposium, visit AustralianCabernetSymposium.com.
Provenance project approaching final vintage
The impending 2024 vintage will be the last of 3 consecutive vintages of small-lot winemaking for the research project ‘Understanding the intricacies of provenance in Western Australian wine regions’.
This project was borne from a review of internationally regarded wine regions which noted these regions were highly successful in communicating their unique aspects and how these contribute to their distinct wines of provenance.
The same review was also integral in supporting the completion of the Geology, soils and climate of WA’s wine regions publication which gives great detail into the unique aspects of all of WA’s wine regions.
There remains a gap, however, on understanding how these geophysical and climatic features influence resultant wines. This project begins by focusing on Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon across the Margaret River wine region and Riesling and Shiraz across the sub-regions of the Great Southern. This work may lead to a template for other regions to develop a provenance narrative specific to their region.
Since 2022, the DPIRD lead research team have identified 19 Chardonnay and 19 Cabernet Sauvignon sites across Margaret River. Likewise in the Great Southern, 12 sites of Riesling across 4 sub-regions and 9 Shiraz sites across 3 sub-regions have been selected.
The 20kg fruit parcels have been harvested by Richard Fennessy and Yu-Yi Liao and made into small-lot wines using a standardised winemaking procedure at DPIRD’s Bunbury laboratory. These wines have undergone sensory analysis and chemical profiling to form a large dataset which will incorporate 3 vintages by the end of 2024. Parameters specific to each of the sites will also be included into this dataset.
Once all data is compiled, statistical analysis will be conducted to investigate what, if any, relationships exist between wine attributes and composition to site characteristics.
Recently the Margaret River and Great Southern producers contributing to this project had the opportunity to taste through the last 2 vintages of the respective trial wines which were accompanied by technical information relating back to the site from which they were grown.
The key outcomes of this project are:
- Understand the metabolomics of wines produced from unique geophysical and climatic locales within 2 of Western Australia’s largest producing wine regions.
- Understand the sensory attributes of wines produced from unique geophysical and climatic locales within 2 of Western Australia’s largest producing wine regions.
- Identify relationships between metabolome and sensory profile within region/locality and variety.
- Provide industry with scientific rigour when communicating uniqueness across 2 of Western Australia’s largest producing wine regions.
The DPIRD project team appreciate the support from Wines of WA, Margaret River Wine Association, Great Southern Wine Producers Association and thank the many producers providing access to their vineyards and fruit parcels.
Contact Richard Fennessy for further information.
Demonstrating spray-on mulch in vineyards
A 12 month project investigating the potential of a sprayable biodegradable mulch across a multitude of horticultural farming systems has recently been completed.
The CSIRO developed ‘Sprayable Biodegradable Polymer Membrane’ or more simply ‘spray-on mulch’ as a sustainable alternative to plastic mulch film. The spray-on mulch promised to have similar properties to plastic mulch in that it helps retain soil moisture and suppress weed growth while maintaining healthy soils and eliminating the need to manage the disposal of the plastic waste.
The product consists of a 20% by weight polyurethane emulsion in water, it is black in colour and has the consistency of thick paint. The majority of treatments made in this project were applied at a rate of 1 L/m2. Some trial and error was endured to develop the ideal application equipment and procedure for the small scale demonstrations. Consequently, the equipment used for application consisted of a 9 L watering can with a detachable spray head. Compared to a pressurised sprayer, the watering can suffered fewer blockages and was easier to clean while producing a smooth and even surface film.
DPIRD researchers established demonstration sites in wine grape vineyards (Margaret River and Frankland River), table grape vineyards (Swan Valley), a pumpkin and tomato farm (Carnarvon), and a carrot farm (Myalup). Multiple treatments were applied to each of the sites to compare the performance of the spray-on mulch to conventional practices and bare soil. Soil moisture, soil temperature and weed growth was observed over a period of time.
Specifically for the wine grape vineyard site, 3 undervine treatments were replicated 3 times. The treatments consisted of bare soil, remnant vegetation post herbicide application (conventional practice) and spray-on mulch on bare soil (with a line left untreated directly under the dripper to allow irrigation infiltration).
The soil at the Margaret River site was described as sandy loam while the Frankland River vineyard was gravelly loam.
Table 1: Soil moisture as expressed as average daily soil moisture loss (VWC%)
Region | Bare soil | Conventional practice | Spray-on mulch |
| Margaret River | 0.31 | 0.30 | 0.14 |
| Frankland River | 1.23 | 1.23 | 1.18 |
The spray-on mulch at the Margaret River vineyard appeared to have reduced daily soil moisture loss by around 50% when compared to the 2 other treatments. However, a similar impact was not observed in Frankland River with only a 5% reduction shown.
Table 2: Soil temperature expressed as average daily soil temperature variation (°C)
Region | Bare soil | Conventional practice | Spray-on mulch |
| Margaret River | 4.81 | 1.35 | 1.69 |
| Frankland River | 3.61 | 3.34 | 4.15 |
Another contrasting observation between the 2 sites was the soil temperature. The spray-on mulch in Margaret River reduced temperature variation similar to the conventional treatment but in Frankland River the spray-on mulch increased the daily soil temperature variation more than the other 2 treatments.
Table 3: Weed emergence expressed as extracted weed mass (kg/m2)
Region | Bare soil | Conventional practice | Spray on mulch |
| Margaret River | 0.24 | 0.24 | 0.27 |
| Frankland River | 0.31 | 0.30 | 0.20 |
There was only a small variation of weed emergence observed in Margaret River, but the spray on mulch in Frankland River showed around 40% reduction in weed growth.
Conclusion
- The spray-on mulch showed potential to reduce soil moisture loss.
- Ground preparation was crucial for success, having remnant vegetation or debris risked an incomplete mulch film forming.
- The formulation requires further enhancement so to reduce the volume/weight of the product i.e. develop into a powdered form to hydrate onsite and potentially examine reflective colours.
- Existing vineyard spray equipment are unlikely to be suitable for application due to blockage issues.
- Might not be ideal for annual undervine application but could be suitable in young establishing vineyards or nurseries.
- The spray-on mulch is yet to be commercialised and therefore costs of the product and application are unknown.
This project was funded by the Australian Government’s Agricultural Innovation Hubs Program, with support from the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) and was initiated through the South-West WA Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub.
CSIRO partnered in this project and the team thanks the numerous DPIRD staff who contributed to this project and the growers who hosted demonstration sites.
On Farm Connectivity program
The Australian Government's On Farm Connectivity program is providing $30 million over 2 years to enable primary producers in agriculture, forestry and/or fisheries to take advantage of connected machinery and sensor technology.
The objectives of the program are to:
- extend digital connectivity and enable primary producers to take advantage of advanced farming technology
- enhance a primary producer's ability to implement digital agribusiness solutions through improved connectivity
- capitalise on the agricultural sector's productivity and growth
- support access to new communications equipment and services by offsetting some of the cost.
Applications are now open for Round 1 of the OFCP, with up to $15 million in rebates available for the purchase of eligible equipment.
Eligible equipment suppliers can claim a rebate of between $3,000 and $30,000 for the sale of eligible equipment, with primary producers accessing discounted prices. The rebate can be claimed for up to 50% of the cost of the eligible equipment.
Equipment suppliers must submit an application for each proposed sale to the Business Grants Hub through the online portal. This application must detail the proposed connectivity solution/equipment and include a declaration from the primary producer that they meet the eligibility criteria. The Business Grants Hub will assess applications against eligibility criteria specified in the Grant Opportunity Guidelines.
The Business Grants Hub will notify suppliers if their application has been successful. The equipment supplier will then have 60 days to finalise the sale of the connectivity/solution equipment with the primary producer. Equipment suppliers can then claim the rebate through the online portal.
This is a demand driven grant opportunity. Rebates will be awarded to eligible applicants on a first come, first served basis in order of application receipt, until the funding is exhausted. $15 million is available to 30 June 2024, or until funding is exhausted, whichever occurs first. It is important to note that a rebate cannot be claimed for equipment sold before the Business Grants Hub has notified the supplier that their application has been approved.
Further information is available at :On Farm Connectivity Program | Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts
Revolutionizing digital innovation on a shoestring
In a pioneering initiative, the Western Australian Government, collaborating with the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD), embarked on a transformative journey to empower small and medium enterprises (SMEs). The focus was on demystifying the complexity of digital tools and steering away from the 'risk of no return' associated with expensive innovation transformations. Instead, the emphasis was on smaller experiments that can evolve as they succeed. At the heart of this endeavour is 'Digital Manufacturing on a Shoestring.'
Motivated on enhancing productivity, resilience, and sustainability, the DPIRD and Cambridge University team have made significant strides in engaging businesses. The wine industry has played a pivotal role in reshaping the focus towards people and recognizing the tools needed to achieve efficiency, sustainability, and productivity goals.
A critical step in identifying digital solutions tailored to specific business priorities took place during Shoestring workshops in July. Wineries such as Stella Bella, Howard Park, Leeuwin Estate, and Vasse Felix participated, exploring solutions from inventory management to process monitoring and waste management, envisioning a brighter future for Western Australia and its people.
Fast-forward to the present, where the Shoestring program has successfully completed work with 2 wineries. Multiple solutions, including power monitoring, air quality monitoring, and logging data through digital forms, have seamlessly integrated into operations. These innovations not only enhance tangible value in business operations but, more crucially, dispel the perceived complexity of digital technologies.
The journey transcends mere solution deployment; it's about cultivating a culture of continuous learning within the teams. Team members have gained valuable insights, understanding the practical applications of digital tools in their operational processes. Power monitoring solutions, for instance, provide a deeper understanding of power consumption patterns and equipment efficiency, contributing significantly to meeting sustainability goals and preparing for the necessary steps to achieve expected results.
What distinguishes this Shoestring success story is the active involvement of the wine industry. Wineries have emerged as champions of sustainability, embracing technologies, and proactively driving positive changes. As DPIRD announces a series of workshops in early 2024, the invitation extends to wineries ready to step boldly into the future, unlock new competitive advantages, and conquer local and international markets with the support of Shoestring.
This Shoestring success story exemplifies how digital innovation, combined with a commitment to learning, can revolutionize businesses and contribute to the overall growth of Western Australia's wine industry.
For more information or to register an interest to be involved in Shoestring contact Felipe Barria Reyes.
Queensland fruit fly (Qfly) incident update
The Queensland fruit fly (Qfly) biosecurity response remains on track, despite a recent confirmed detection of a single fly at Rivervale. The detection of one male Qfly was made via surveillance traps, as part of DPIRD’s early warning biosecurity system.
A biosecurity response to protect the State’s valuable agriculture sector and home gardens from the pest has been underway since March when Qfly was discovered in Bayswater, which has now been controlled.
Qfly is one of the most serious horticulture pests, which has more than 300 fruit and fruiting vegetables host plants. A Quarantine Area has been reinstated, covering Perth, Belmont, Gosnells, Kalamunda, Vincent, Joondalup, Swan, Wanneroo, Melville, Canning, Bayswater, South Perth, Subiaco, Stirling, Nedlands, Bassendean, Belmont, Claremont, Victoria Park, Cambridge and Mundaring. Additional traps have been installed around the detection area to support DPIRD’s ongoing response and progress towards Area Freedom. The department thanks industry for their ongoing support of the response.
DPIRD will continue to assist Swan Valley wine and table grape growers to satisfy biosecurity protocols as produce is transported and support the goal to reinstate Area Freedom.
Wine grape growers within the Export Assurance Zone (EAZ) are advised to be familiar with the Quarantine Area Notice which details the conditions in which wine grapes are required to be moved within and outside of the EAZ as stated in the Approved Measures.
For more advice contact our industry support staff:
Table grape and wine grape enquiries: Colin Gordon on 08 9368 3659, 0429 884 746 or Colin.Gordon@dpird.wa.gov.au.
Biosecurity and reporting
Growers of Qfly hosts such as strawberry, citrus, avocado, stone fruit, and tomato should regularly check for signs of Qfly and plan how to treat and move produce, even if harvest is several months away.
If you suspect you have seen Qfly, call DPIRD’s Pest and Disease Information Service (PaDIS) on 08 9368 3080, email padis@dpird.wa.gov.au or send photos of the suspect Qfly via DPIRD’s MyPestGuide Reporter webpage or app.
Visit our webpage for more information: agric.wa.gov.au/qflyupdates
See the comprehensive list of support services, including financial support service on Western Australia’s rural support services webpage.
Turning the Dial locked in for 2024
Following the successful inaugural event held in 2023, Turning the Dial will be returning in 2024, with another series of plenary sessions, panel discussions and breakout workshops presented by industry leaders dedicated to environmental, social and governance (ESG), food waste and sustainable packaging innovation.
As the sector moves towards decarbonisation and circularity, and with mandatory reporting imminent, Turning the Dial will assist businesses to navigate the path to sustainability and provides a valuable opportunity to network with participants from across the supply chain.
Core topics will include:
- Sustainable Packaging in Action: gain insights into achieving the approaching packaging targets within your business.
- ESG: Updates from sustainability experts to advance your understanding of looming mandatory climate-related disclosures and other ESG reporting frameworks.
- Tackling Food Waste Head-On: industry leaders will share practical tips and innovative strategies to combat food waste. Discover how your organisation can play a pivotal role in reducing waste and transforming waste streams into value-add opportunities.
- Exploring the Circular Economy: Gain insights into the latest trends and advancements shaping the circular economy landscape. Our expert speakers will share ways to adopt circular initiatives and highlight the associated benefits of doing so.
When: 30 May 2024
Where: Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre
Hosted by the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development
Don't miss out on this opportunity to be part of a transformative event. Mark your calendar and stay tuned for more details
Register your expression of interest to receive further information and be the first to know when early bird tickets are on sale.
For enquiries and early registration, visit the website or contact us at aftevents@dpird.wa.gov.au
John Tate awarded Wines of Western Australia Life Membership
John Tate was posthumously awarded a Wines of Western Australia Life Membership at the end of year industry sundowner on Tuesday 28 November at Steve’s Hotel Nedlands. The award was presented to John’s son, Franklin Tate, by the Minister for Regional Development, Hon Don Punch.
The Life Membership award recognises the significant contribution by an individual to the development of the WA wine industry at state and regional level. With business partner John Evans, John started Evans and Tate in 1971, building it into one of the largest and most successful privately owned wine brands in WA.
John Tate was actively involved in many aspects of the WA wine industry, volunteering his time to numerous committees including the Royal Perth Wine Show and the Wine Industry Association of WA.
Previous recipients of a Life Membership award include: Denis and Tricia Horgan (Leeuwin Estate, Margaret River); Dorham Mann OAM (Department of Agriculture WA, Sandalford Swan Valley, Mann Winery Swan Valley); Tony Smith (Plantagenet Great Southern); Robert Bowen (Plantagenet, Houghtons, Willow Bridge Geographe).
Read more about John Tate's life at: https://winewa.asn.au/2085-2/
Future events
Australian Cabernet Symposium
Australia’s only Cabernet Sauvignon conference, the Australian Cabernet Symposium (ACS), returns for the fourth time on Thursday 1 February 2024.
Traditionally hosted by Coonawarra Grape and Wine Incorporated (CGWI) in South Australia’s Coonawarra, in 2024 the symposium is presented in association with Wines of Western Australia (WoWA) and sees the joining of forces of Australia’s premier Cabernet Sauvignon producing regions, Coonawarra and Margaret River.
Presentations and masterclasses will be simulcast live to and from the ACS hub at Parker Coonawarra Estate and at the Margaret River Heart satellite venue and will be followed by dinners in both states.
More details and ticket sales available at https://coonawarra.org/austcabernetsymposium2024/
evokeAG. 2024
Agrifood tech community – farmers, innovators, researchers, corporates, government and investors – will come together for evokeAG. at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre to connect and collaborate. Together we will explore how farming, technology, science and people collectively have the power to bring innovative ideas to life.
The 2-day event to be held 20 to 21 February 2024, is expected to attract 1,600 delegates from 20 countries.
Specially selected WA startups will exhibit as part of the event's 'Startup Alley', alongside an impressive lineup of national and international innovators. This initiative provides local businesses with a unique opportunity to showcase their revolutionary technology, as well as connect with potential investors and corporates from around the world.
Some of the startups featured will include:
- Geraldton-based Energy Farmers Australia, which upcycles organic waste to produce bioenergy.
- Perth-based company Uluu, which has created environmentally-friendly alternatives to plastic from farmed seaweed.
- Fremantle-based Nitronic, which produces nitrogen fertilisers from renewable energy sources like wind and solar.
- Perth-based EXTAG, which develops wearable devices for livestock, to collect and analyse biometric data such as heart rate, temperature, and stress.
Further details available on the events webpage.
Sparkling Wine Symposium
The full day event will feature interstate and local experts presenting in-person and virtually to discuss technical elements of premium sparkling production (méthode champenoise and non-traditional methods) across the areas of viticulture and winemaking and feature market insights into the category.
Date: 7 August 2024
Venue: RAC Karri Valley Resort, Yeagarup
Further details coming soon.