New Zealand wine makers and grape growers have shown strong support to continue funding their industry body, New Zealand Winegrowers. Eighty-seven percent of the organisation’s 700 winery members and 90 percent of its 850 growers have voted in favour of keeping the grape levy. New Zealand Winegrowers collects levies from member funding, on the sale of wine by the Wine Institute, and on the sale of grapes collected by the Grape Growers Council.

PRODUCING quality organic crops at home is as simple as composting and mulching regularly, according to award-winning organic wine producer Sam Statham. He shared this advice at a community seminar on organic living at the Whitsunday Sailing Club on Thursday morning. He spoke alongside representatives from Eco Barge and Whitsunday Residents Against Dumping (WRAD).

A new, free phone app developed by University of Adelaide researchers will help grapegrowers and viticulturists manage their vines by giving a quick measure of vine canopy size and density. The iPad and iPhone app uses the devices’ camera and GPS capability to calculate the size and density of the vine canopy and its location in the vineyard. The aim is to help users monitor their vines and manage the required balance between vegetative growth and fruit production.

The ACT’s peak business advocacy body has welcomed the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement, saying it could help the city’s services sector and region’s agribusinesses tap into opened-up international markets. Reductions in tariffs for wine, beef and dairy were the most obvious agribusiness opportunities for those in the region. Shaw Vineyard Estate owner Graeme Shaw said he understood the trade deal would reduce red tape and should increase awareness of Australian produce. “Anything that minimises red tape and makes export easier, I’m all for it.”

AUSTRALIA’S fruit and vegetable growers are still waiting to find out how much they will be charged for export certification and biosecurity service as the Federal Government ¬delays implementation of the new scheme. The Government has moved the start date from November 1 to December 1 this year. However, the final cost-recovery implementation statements for biosecurity and export certification fees and charges are still to be released.

Portavin celebrates continued growth and greater products and service offerings with the launch of an impressive new website at www.portavin.com.au. The company, which has become Australia’s leading wine bottling and packaging specialists, developed the new site as an informative resource for wine producers to easily access information on all aspects of bottling, packaging and distributing wine both domestically and internationally.

Watershed Premium Wines is pleased to announce that is now offering contract winemaking services in Margaret River. To make enquiries for the 2016 vintage please contact Watershed’s Head Winemaker, Severine Logan on (08) 9758 8633 or by email: severine@watershedwines.com.au

There’s mounting evidence that supports the notion that a commitment to corporate sustainability practices is a basic cost of entry for companies that hope to succeed in the marketplace. In just two years, we’ve seen significant increases in the number of consumers who say that they want products from sustainable companies, and they are willing to spend more to get them.

Languedoc-based producer Skalli has sold its Napa Valley winery St. Supéry Estate to fashion house Chanel for an undisclosed sum. “I am delighted to hand over St. Supery to such a well-regarded company that understands luxury brands and will continue to enhance this special property,” Robert Skalli said in a statement. “I’m confident that they will continue my vision of a Napa Valley Château, crafting world class wines, and will build on that foundation, ever improving quality,” he added.

The pioneer of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc, Brancott Estate, today announced its first-ever design collaboration with Dror Benshetrit, founder of Studio Dror. The partnership will translate the winery’s innovation-driven spirit and winemaking process through design. Benshetrit’s vision, informed by an immersive visit to New Zealand with Brancott Estate Chief Winemaker Patrick Materman, will come to life as a permanent, site-specific installation entitled Under/standing, as well as a small-scale interpretation in the form of a wine rack, Present.