WA wine industry to tackle climate change

WA grape and wine producers will have access to better information to capture opportunities and manage risks associated with climate change.

  The Department of Agriculture and Food is hosting three half-day workshops in September focussing on regional climate change projections, variety suitability and choices, water use management and vineyard management.

  The workshops follow a seminar in 2007 which explored the potential of climate change to fundamentally reshape the Australian wine industry.

  Climate change and greater seasonal variability is expected to present Western Australia’s wine industry with both challenges and opportunities.

  DAFWA says these changes have implications for the wine industry because of the special dependence of wine grapes and wine styles on unique regions which are strongly climate related.

  Premium wine project manager, Glynn Ward, said the department and WA universities were exploring the issue further to provide producers with a better understanding of the predicted climate change and how it will affect their decisions and future planning.

  "Growers and producers have requested to be kept more informed, involved and engaged with researchers on this issue," Mr Ward said.

  "In particular, they would like greater tools to manage their vineyards and wine businesses under the current seasonal climatic variability and plan for climate change."

  The morning workshops will be held in Margaret River on 16 September, Manjimup on 17 September and Albany on 18 September.

  Key speakers include leading climate modeller Professor Tom Lyons from Murdoch University presenting his detailed climate models for Margaret River, Pemberton and Mount Barker and the potential impact on viticulture in these regions.

  Participants will also hear from Professor of Viticulture Snow Barlow, from the University of Melbourne, about the impact of a warmer climate on grape ripening patterns and wine styles, and options for future varieties and vineyard locations in WA.

  Grape vine physiologist Dr Erika Winter will discuss how vineyard management practices can be adapted to hotter seasons and warming climates to maintain grape and wine quality.

  To register for a workshop please contact the Department of Agriculture and Food’s Manjimup Horticulture Research Institute on 9777 0000 or for further information contact Glynn Ward on 9368 3568.