Research Snapshots


Discover the Cutting-Edge with "Research Snapshots"

Join us on the last Monday of every month for "Research Snapshots", a dynamic series of research presentations from organisations within the New Zealand Wine Centre (Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology, Plant and Food Research, and Bragato Research Institute).

Each "snapshot" is designed to provide a quick yet insightful overview of key findings, methodologies, and potential implications of the diverse and innovative research currently being undertaken by the NZWC research community. Each session, lasting 1 to 1.5 hours, is dedicated to a specific theme, bringing together research experts to share their latest findings. An excellent opportunity for industry to engage with researchers, ask questions, and explore opportunities for collaboration to solve current and future industry problems.

Please contact Stewart Field, stewart.field@nmit.ac.nz, to be put on the mailing list for details about the session topic themes.

Research snapshots are held at the MRC Theatre in the NZ Wine Centre, 85 Budge Street, from 1.30pm - 3.00pm.


July 29 2024 - Understanding Your Soil for Improved Management

Stewart Field : Enhancing soil moisture measurement for irrigation management. The role of rooting depth and plant water potential calibration.

Seth Laurenson/Damian Martin : Building vineyard soil health.


August 26 2024 - Maximising Vineyard Profitability: Strategic Pruning Decisions for Enhanced Yield and Quality

Stewart Field : Evaluating the impact of watershoot cane selection on grape yield.

Damian Martin : Alternating pruning to increase pinot noir productivity while maintaining wine quality.

Yuichi Ando : Deep insight into factors that influenced yields of long-spur vines.


September 30 2024 - A Mosaic of Research Endeavours

Ngarita Warden : Varietal diversification - Cool climate aromatic white wine produced by Marlborough.

Chandre Honeth : The effect of bunch exposure on albarino grape and wine characteristics and quality

LinLin Yang : Monitoring under-vine native groundcover performance in a commercial vineyard.

Jack Muir : Modelling the precipitation of calcium tartrate in wine.


October 21 2024 - Pinot Noir Berry Size: Its Impact on Wine Quality and How to Manage in the Vineyard or Winery

Damian Martin : Berry size is a key factor in determining pinot noir wine composition.

Stewart Field : Shifting berry size in the vineyard with the use of antitranspirants and the effect on wine quality.

Jonathan Guild : Shifting berry size populations in the winery and the effect on wine quality.


November 25 2024 - Managing Pests and Diseases: Strategies for Healthy Vineyards and Optimal Wine Production

Stewart Field : Cultural botrytis control: Machine shaking or collard leaf pluck?

Dion Mundy : Using AI to diagnose and map grapevine trunk disease.

Sara Kross : Vineyard friends or foes? Managing bird damage while maximising biodiversity value.