Seasonal climate comparison 2024 update
The climatic data of the current growing season in comparison to the previous seasons across WA’s 9 wine regions has been summarised by DPIRD technical officer Yu-Yi Liao.
This analysis offers wine producers insights into the similarities and differences between the current and previous growing seasons.
The graphs below illustrate monthly rainfall and accumulated rainfall from June 2021 to April 2024, followed by a comparison of accumulated growing degree days (GDD), average monthly temperature between the last 3 growing seasons, and daily rainfall for the current season.
This summer marked the warmest on record in WA since 1910 (BOM, 2024). Across all regions, there has been a substantial increase in accumulated GDD units compared to previous seasons, particularly attributed to above-average spring temperatures.
Reviewing the 3-year rainfall data, all regions experienced lower accumulated rainfall in 2023-24 compared to the previous 2 seasons. This is primarily due to the low rainfall recorded in October, March and April in 2023-24.
Growing degree day (GDD) unit calculation: the average daily temperature minus 10 when it is higher than 10°C; temperature lower than 10°C is counted as 0.
Accumulated GDD is the accumulation of GDD units from 1 October to 30 April.
Swan District
Figure 1 and 2 show data collected from the BoM Millendon weather station (site number 9281) representing the Swan District wine region.
Swan District recorded the lowest accumulated rainfall among the 9 regions during the current season.
The 2023-24 season rainfall started high in June, then gradually declined throughout summer except for a slightly higher amount in September than the previous 2 seasons; overall, the current season finished 165 mm lower than the previous season.
Unseasonal heat in October and November resulted in an early acceleration of accumulation of GDD in the 2023-24 growing season, totalling 2,977 units, exceeding the previous season’s accumulation by 505 units.
Perth Hills
Two stations were used to represent the Perth Hills, BoM station Bickley (site number 9240) and DPIRD station Glen Eagle in figure 3 and 4.
Winter rainfall in the current season was notably lower (by 110 mm) than in the previous 2 seasons.
Interestingly, January 2024 recorded 26 mm of rain, contrary to the typically dry summer conditions observed in most other regions.
Perth Hills experienced a similar trend of GDD accumulation with slightly cooler temperatures compared to Swan District.
By the end of April 2024, accumulated GDD marked 2,656 units, which is 550 units higher than the previous season.
Peel
Peel’s data in figure 5 and 6 is sourced from BoM Dwellingup weather station (site number 9538). Both 2022-23 and 2023-24 experienced a dry spring (137 mm and 155 mm respectively) compared to 2021-22 (303mm rainfall). Meanwhile, the 2023-24 season saw notably lower rainfall during November, December, March and April.
The accumulated GDD for the current season reached 2,401 units, which is 496 units higher than the 2022-23 season. There was also a noteworthy 36mm rainfall event on 17 January, similar to that observed in the Perth Hills region.
Geographe
DPIRD’s weather stations' Capel, Donnybrook and Dardanup 2 were compiled to represent Geographe in figures 7 and 8.
The low rainfall experienced in July 2023 impacted total winter rainfall for the season and from October 2023 little rainfall was experienced as illustrated by the plateauing trend line in figure 7.
Accumulated GDD totalled 2,494 units by the end of the 2023-24 growing season, which is 516 units higher than the previous season and 376 units higher than 2021-22.
Margaret River
Figure 9 and 10 illustrate Margaret River’s seasonal data from DPIRD’s Vasse, Wilyabrup, Margaret River, Rosa Brook and Karridale weather stations.
The winter rainfall pattern in the 2023-24 season mirrored that of the previous 2 seasons.
October rainfall across the 3 seasons showed 2023-24 to be significantly lower and this trend continued throughout the following months.
The accumulated GDD reached 2,158 units by the end of 2023-24.
The warm conditions during spring significantly affected early accumulated GDD, and this trend continued throughout the rest of the season.
Blackwood Valley
Data derived from BoM Bridgetown weather station (number 9617), DBCA station Styles Tower and DPIRD station Nannup are shown in figures 11 and 12.
In contrast to all other regions, accumulated rainfall from June 2023 to February 2024 followed a similar trend to the previous 2 seasons.
March and April in 2024 were unseasonably dry but overall, the total rainfall for 2023-24 was not all that dissimilar to the previous 2 seasons.
Figure 12 shows the 2023-24 season recorded a higher accumulated GDD (2,269 units) than the previous 2 seasons
October and November of 2023 were particularly warm, and few rainfall events occurred from December 2023 until the end of the growing season.
Manjimup
The BoM weather station at Manjimup (site number 9573) and DPIRD’s Manjimup HRS station provided data to represent Manjimup's growing season in figures 13 and 14.
Winter rainfall remained relatively consistent across the 3 seasons. The main variation occurred in spring, where the 2023-24 season experienced around 23% less rainfall than the previous 2 seasons. Additionally, March and April 2024 saw significantly less rainfall than previous seasons.
The 2023-24 season accumulated 2,055 GDD units, which is 441 units higher than the previous season and 294 units higher than 2021-22 season.
Pemberton
The DPIRD Pemberton weather station was the only station used in figures 15 and 16.
Pemberton enjoyed high rainfall in June 2023 but showed a drying trend from October 2023.
The region tends to experience rainfall above 100 mm in April but received only 7.2 mm in 2024.
As with all other wine regions, Pemberton also experienced a warmer 2023-24 season, accumulating 2,010 units of GDD by the end of April 2024. This total is 445 units higher than the previous vintage (1,566 units) and 285 units higher than the 2021-22 season (1,726 units).
Great Southern
Weather stations from the sub-regions of the Great Southern wine region were combined to produce figures 17 and 18.
The 2023-24 winter rainfall pattern was similar to 2021-22 and wetter than 2022-23; however, from October 2023, the current season rainfall trend was most similar to 2022-23 except for the low rainfall recorded in March and April 2024.
Comparing data across all 9 WA wine regions, the Great Southern region had the least difference in accumulated GDD between the 3 seasons.
Accumulated GDD marked 1,876 units by the end of the 2023-24 season and is 194 units higher than the previous vintage and 421 units higher than the 2021-22 season.
Summary of extreme heat days and heat waves over the past 3 seasons
The number of extreme heat days (defined for this article as 38°C and above) across the past 3 seasons is summarised in table 1; the data shows fewer extreme heat days in the 2022-23 season than in the other 2 seasons.
| Wine region | 2021-22 growing season | 2022-23 growing season | 2023-24 growing season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Swan District | 26 | 9 | 26 |
| Perth Hills | 19 | 3 | 18 |
| Peel | 11 | 1 | 12 |
| Geographe | 13 | 2 | 13 |
| Margaret River | 4 | 0 | 4 |
| Blackwood Valley | 7 | 0 | 13 |
| Manjimup | 6 | 0 | 7 |
| Pemberton | 6 | 0 | 3 |
| Great Southern | 2 | 0 | 3 |
Additionally, table 2 summarises the occurrences of heat waves, defined as 5 or more consecutive days with a maximum temperature of 35°C and above.
Interestingly, there are similar numbers of heatwave occurrences in seasons 2021-22 and 2023-24.
Worth noting, the Swan District wine region recorded a 10-day heatwave from 13 to 22 February 2022 and a 9-day heatwave from 7 to 15 February 2024.
| Wine region | 2021-22 growing season | 2022-23 growing season | 2023-24 growing season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Swan District | 3 | 3 | 4 |
| Perth Hills | 3 | 1 | 3 |
| Peel | 3 | 1 | 2 |
| Geographe | 2 | 0 | 1 |
| Margaret River | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Blackwood Valley | 2 | 0 | 1 |
| Manjimup | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Pemberton | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Great Southern | 0 | 0 | 0 |
For further information on the data presented, contact Yu-Yi Liao.
Olmo linked to mysterious WA Droopy clone of Pinot Noir
There is much mystery and conjecture surrounding the Pinot Noir clone known within the WA wine industry as ‘Droopy’.
DPIRD’s research scientist Richard Fennessy has undertaken a deep dive into the historic records to clarify the origin of this highly regarded clone.
Jim Campbell-Clause (Campbell-Clause, personal communication, November 2022) describes the first introduction of Pinot Noir into WA as:
'The Department of Agriculture introduced Pinot Noir cuttings from CSIRO which were received in 1965 (IW652051 as FVD5V12A/VX/, COMPUTER NUMBER 14428). Once the cuttings were planted in WA there where 2 distinct growth characteristics observed, being some vines had upright and others drooping (pendulous) growth habit. The vines with the drooping growth habit were then separated from the others and from then on referred to as ‘WA Droopy’ while the upright vines were listed as D5V12A (accession number IW652051).'
Jim (Campbell-Clause, personal communication, November 2022) further expands that from 1976 cuttings of the WA Droopy clone of Pinot Noir were taken from the Department of Agriculture’s Swan Research Station and distributed, with the first sales to Bennett, Killerby, Leeuwin, Neave and Plantagenet.
Tony Devitt sent a sample to the AWRI on 24 April 1998 (Pinot Noir WA Selection (Droopy)) to AWRI (Reference number D82408) which came back as matching Pinot Noir (could not get to clone level at that time).
Pinot Noir clone D5V12A was first imported into Australia from the now Foundation Plant Services (FPS) arm of UC Davis in 1962 by the Victorian Department of Agriculture and it is also believed so too was material labelled as Gamay Beaujolais (clone D4V2).
These 2 accessions have clear notes describing D5V12A as displaying upright growth habit while D4V2 had a pendulous growth habit.
Interestingly, Nicholas (2006) lists clone D4V2 without an accession number but does note the material originated from FPS and is known within that collection as FPS 04.
The next part of the mystery is the origin of clones D4V2 and D5V12A of which can be unravelled by the following timeline constructed from Sweet’s (2018) detailed account of Dr Harold Olmo’s 1951 mission to obtain superior and disease-free varieties such as Pinot Noir, Gamay Noir, Riesling and Chardonnay from Switzerland, France, Germany and Austria.
The timelines below are specific to events at UC Davis relating to the origin of D4V2 and D5V12A.
D5V12A
1911 – Frederic Bioletti establishes a vineyard at the University Farm in Davis which consisted of a number of different Vitis vinifera including ‘Gamai beaujolais’ from Richter Nursery in Montpellier, France.
1929 – 'A map of the University Farm vineyard shows 'Gamai beaujolais' at vineyard block VIII B2 v11-12, which was eventually renumbered by Olmo as vineyard block D2 v11-12. Olmo's vineyard maps and wine grape evaluation records indicate that material from D2 v11-12 was propagated to locations C81: 1-22, then to C2: 9-10, and finally to I60: 15.'
1958 – Cuttings of 'Gamai Beaujolais-1' are made publicly available from the Armstrong foundation vineyard from registered vines located at Block A row 12 vines 29-32.
1960s – USDA plant pathologist Austin Goheen takes cuttings from the 'Gamai beaujolais' (GB) vine I60:15 within the University Farm vineyard and subjects them to 141 days of heat treatment therapy to ultimately become Pinot Noir (GB) 22 which was later referred to as 'superclone Pinot Noir 105' in the early 1970s. This clone and 4 other selections from the Armstrong foundation vineyard Block A, row 12, vines 29-32 became sister propagations planted in the new FPMS Hopkins vineyard in 1961. They were later renumbered Gamay Beaujolais FPMS 18 (r12 v32), FPMS 19 (r12 v31), FPMS 20 (r12 v30), and FPMS 21 (r12 v29).
1962 – Interpreting the accession number, it can be assumed clone D5V12A is supplied to the Victorian Department of Agriculture by FPMS labelled as Gamay Beaujolais. Nicolas (2006) notes this material to be from FPS 19 but Whiting (personal communication, May 2024) has records showing this importation came from FPS 20.
1970 – 'The 4 sister propagations of Gamay Beaujolais as well as the heat treated selection (FPS 22) were sold to the industry as 'Gamay Beaujolais' until the time that Olmo issued his statement on misidentification of Gamay Beaujolais in 1970. The selections were then renamed 'Pinot Noir (GB)'. The reference to 'GB' or 'GB style' is usually included when any of those selections is mentioned to reflect that the material is a distinct Gamay Beaujolais subclone of Pinot Noir'. Interestingly, Sweet (2018) mentions records of Amerine and Winkler in both 1944 and 1963 observing Gamay Beaujolais vines exhibiting Pinot Noir character in leaf morphology and fruit and wine character.
D4V2
1951 – Dr Harold Olmo takes cuttings from 4 vines of Pinot Noir from a vineyard identified as 'Les Croix Vineyard, Pommard, France'.
1954 – Only one bundle of 4 cuttings survived the shipping and testing process and later became registered at FPMS (Foundation of Plant Materials Service) as Pinot Noir-1 (location O.F. 9 v 9-11), its origin was described at the time as ‘820 Pommard, France’.
1961 – The selection Pinot Noir-1 was moved to FPMS Hopkins Foundation Vineyard and planted in row D4 vines 1a, 2a, 3a, 4a-8. The selection number on the D4 vines were changed to Pinot Noir 04.
1962 – It can be confidently assumed that Pinot Noir clone D4V2 is supplied to the Victorian Department of Agriculture with Gamay Beaujolais clone D5V12A and other grapevine material from FPS with accession number prefix IV6220.
1964 – FPS selections 05 and 06 were created from Pinot Noir 04 using thermotherapy, all 3 have been referred to by industry as Pommard clones.
1965 – Material taken from D4 vine 1a underwent heat treatment therapy and became Pinot Noir 05 and 06 which were then released in the late 1960s as the heat treated 'superclone Pinot Noir 103'.
2002 - FPS 91 is created from Pinot Noir 04 by microshoot-tip culture.
Further evidence surrounding the origin of D5V12A is that Foundation Plant Services Grapes (2024) characterises Pinot Noir clone 19 as 'one of a group of FPS Pinot Noir selections that has been known as the Gamay Beaujolais type, which is characterised by high vigour and an upright growth habit.' This growth habit aligns with common descriptions used by WA vignerons when describing D5V12A.
John Whiting (Whiting, personal communication, May 2024) notes that in 1961, Victorian Plant Pathologist R ‘Bob’ H Taylor visited UC Davis and looked at grape viruses with Olmo. In 1962, Taylor imported a number of varieties into the Victorian government quarantine station in Burnley. John (Whiting, personal communication, May 2024) believes there were 10 varieties/clones (11 including D4V2) introduced in 1962 from UC Davis and that possibly a clerical error resulted in D4V2 missing an accession number. Based on the sequence of accessions of these imports ranging from 2046 to 2056 and that 2048 is missing it can be assumed D4V2 should have been issued the accession number IV622048.
Both Whiting and Walker (personal communication, May 2024) report that once the cuttings left Burnley quarantine station they were then planted at the Merbein CSIRO Research Station in 1963 as the Victorian Department of Agriculture did not have a grapevine collection at this point in time.
Information within the UC Davis timeline and considering the year the Victorian Department of Agriculture received Pinot Noir material from FPS and the described characteristics of the above mentioned clones provides strong evidence to support the theory that D5V12A and D4V2 were introduced into Victoria at the same time. Also, D5V12A was sourced from material originally imported to UC Davis in 1911 by Bioletti from the Richter nursery in Montpellier, France and that D4V2 was sourced from material imported from the Premier Cru Les Croix Vineyard, Pommard, France in 1951 by Olmo.
Considering this, a fair assumption can be made that the Victorian Department of Agriculture received 2 different clones of Pinot Noir (one of which was identified as Gamay Beaujolais at the time) in 1962, these were supplied to CSIRO and consequently sent to the Western Australian Department of Agriculture in 1965 as possibly an incorrect single clone consignment.
A recent research project conducted by the Australian Wine Research Institute (AWRI) that has been sequencing a number of varieties and clones from private and public grapevine collections across Australia has shown the genetic sequence of ‘WA Droopy’ clustered with other samples labelled D4V2 (Borneman, personal communication, April 2024). This same work also clusters WAVIA’s D5V12A with similarly labelled clones from other collections including H7V15 which is the heat treated derived material of the ‘Gamai beaujolais’ consequently renamed as Pinot Noir (GB) FPS 22.
Further reading on Pinot Noir clones available in WA and their respective attributes can be accessed in the September 2021 edition of the Wine Industry newsletter.
The author wishes to thank the following people who have assisted in providing information and thoughts on this matter; John Whiting, Rob Walker, Jim Campbell-Clause, Chris Harding, Bill Pannell, Dan Pannell, Keith Mugford, Tony Devitt, Rob Diletti and Anthony Borneman.
References
Foundation Plant Services Grapes (2024) Grape variety: Pinot noir, UC Davis College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences website, accessed 1 May 2024.
Nicholas, P 2006, National register of grapevine varieties and clones, The Australian Vine Improvement Association Inc. (AVIA), Australia
Sweet, N 2018, Pinot: A treasure house of clonal riches, Foundation Plant Services, University of California, Davis, viewed 12 April 2024, https://fps.ucdavis.edu/grapebook/winebook.cfm?chap=PinotNoir
Support for WA agrifood and beverage businesses
Are you a Western Australian agribusiness or food and beverage manufacturer planning capital expenditure or expansion projects to grow, relocate or diversify your business?
The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development's Value Add Investment Grants (Round Three) – Feasibility program offers grants between $15,000 and $100,000 (excluding GST) to help you assess the viability of your capital projects. This funding can support feasibility studies and other activities, giving you the confidence to make informed investment decisions.
Here's why you should apply:
- Considering an expansion or new capabilities? A feasibility study can help you determine if it makes financial sense.
- Grants are available on a rolling basis until 30 June 2025. Apply when you're ready.
Before you apply:
- Ensure you meet the eligibility criteria for applicants and projects.
- Review the program details and application process.
Don't miss this opportunity to take your business to the next level.
Domestic Market Pathways Program
The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development kicked off its Domestic Market Pathways Program on Wednesday 1 May 2024, with the delivery of the first program module.
Facilitated by Export Connect, the program attracted 31 enthusiastic participants from businesses looking to elevate their Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) products and enter markets across Australia.
The program is designed to equip businesses with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate the domestic market for FMCG goods.
The program consists of 3 content modules delivered in a workshop format, along with one-on-one mentoring sessions to provide tailored guidance and support. Some of the areas covered in the program include:
- developing a national market vision and strategy
- market and channel selection factors
- market entry and distribution models
- market overview
- category overview
- key channel overviews
- selling to the majors, including category reviews
- distribution and brokerage models
- identifying key customers
- 1-on-1 meetings to tailor your pitch development.
This program is a valuable opportunity for FMCG businesses in WA to gain the insights and support they need to achieve domestic market success.
For further information on the program, eligibility and registering, visit Domestic Market Pathways Program | Agriculture and Food.
Applications are now open for the State Government’s Regional Economic Development Grants (RED Grants) program
Through the RED Grants program, the State Government is investing $55.85 million over 10 years in locally driven projects to stimulate economic growth and development in regional Western Australia.
More than $36 million has been allocated towards 355 approved projects across the state through the previous 6 rounds of the program.
In the Great Southern and Peel region, up to $250,000 is available for individual projects that increase or sustain jobs, expand, or diversify industry, develop skills or capability, increase business productivity, and attract new investment to the regions.
Within the South West, eligible businesses can apply for up to $150,000 for individual projects in Round 7.
The Peel, South West and Great Southern Development Commissions are now accepting applications for Round 7 of the RED Grants program, with applications closing at 12pm on 26 June 2024.
All intending applicants are asked to contact their respective regional development commission to discuss your project in the early stages of the application process.
For more information regarding RED Grants contact:
- Peel Development Commission website, phone (08) 9535 4140 or email grants@peel.wa.gov.au
- Great Southern Development Commission website, phone (08) 9842 4888, or email gdo@gsdc.wa.gov.au
- South West Development Commission website, phone (08) 9792 2000 or email grantscoordinator@swdc.wa.gov.au
Water Security for Southern Forests Horticulture Industry
The Western Australian Government understands the climate change challenges faced by the horticultural producers in the Warren-Donnelly region and is committed to providing support.
In October 2022, the Southern Forests Irrigation Reference Group was appointed to provide advice on measures to deliver water security to the Warren-Donnelly horticulture industry.
In response to the group’s recommendations, the WA Government will co-fund projects that:
- improve water security for horticulture businesses
- provide benefits to the broader Warren-Donnelly community
- consider the water needs of the environment.
Southern Forests Infrastructure Support Scheme
The Southern Forest Infrastructure Support Scheme is a subset of the above that aims to support farmers in the Warren-Donnelly region to be better prepared to meet the prospect of reduced water availability due to the impacts of climate change. The scheme will be open to eligible landowners to construct suitable infrastructure on their property that will provide better water security and improve sustainability.
Grants available
Applicants are encouraged to apply now to be considered for a grant of up to $100,000.
Who can apply?
To be eligible to apply for funding applicants must:
- be a commercial horticultural producer in the Warren-Donnelly region with a minimum annual gross turnover of $100,000 or equivalent
- demonstrate that operations are in the Warren-Donnelly region,and
- commit to a cash funding contribution of 50% of their project.
How to apply?
All applicants must submit an online application through the online application form on SmartyGrants. Other forms of submission will not be accepted (e.g. email or post).
Applications close at 1pm (AWST) on Thursday 11 July 2024.
For further information on the scheme can be found at Water Security for Southern Forests Horticulture Industry | Agriculture and Food
Vale Dr John Gladstones AO
With the passing of Dr John Gladstones AO, the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) pays tribute to the former researcher and his significant contribution to advancing Western Australia’s primary industries.
John started his career at the University of Western Australia and moved to the former Department of Agriculture in 1971, where he worked for more than 20 years.
Prior to his foray into the wine sector, the acclaimed scientist was regarded as the premier plant breeder of his time for developing subterranean clover and serradella pastures, before domesticating narrow leaf lupins for lighter soils – now grown around the world.
After a trip to Bordeaux, France, where Dr Gladstones noticed the similarities in the growing and ripening season to the Margaret River district, he focused his attention on mapping the soil and climatic conditions – opening up the region to wine production.
In 1966 Dr Gladstones presented his analysis to a group of farmers and interested parties to garner interest in developing pilot grapevine plots to test suitability for wine production in the Margaret River region – the rest is history.
The department’s viticulture team built on his work, selecting, evaluating and distributing wine grape varieties and clonal material, which saw the expansion of the South West wine industry across the Great Southern, Margaret River, Geographe, Blackwood Valley, Manjimup and Pemberton regions.
Ever curious and dedicated, Dr Gladstones continued his research and publishing books on viticulture well into his retirement.
Dr Gladstones was bestowed many accolades, including the first inductee into the Royal Agricultural Society Hall of Fame, the Farrer Medal for plant breeding in 1975, the Cullen Award for Excellence in 2017 and an Order of Australia in 2022.
In recognition of his contribution to industry, the department has sponsored the JS Gladstones Trophy at the Wine Show of Western Australia to the wine displaying the Best and Most Distinctive Regional Character.
WA Agriculture Minister Jackie Jarvis described John as an inspirational scientist who changed the face of farming in WA.
‘From lupins to pasture to fine wine, WA farming systems are better because of him,’ the Minister said.
DPIRD Deputy Director General Cec McConnell said Dr Gladstones left an enduring legacy, which saw the birth of new industries and opportunities for WA.
“While I did not know John Gladstones, those who did say he was not only a brilliant scientist, with a great eye for detail, he was also a great visionary who could see the bigger picture and integrate science and systems with opportunity,” she said.
“A humble and articulate gentleman, I’m told he was a natural leader with an unmatched worth ethic, a champion of shared knowledge and generous mentor. John’s work with the department spanning pastures, lupins and viticulture has laid the foundations for ongoing research and development to this day, which has been carried on by his many devoted colleagues and the viticulture industry.”
Vale Dr John Gladstones.
Future events
Navigating the Australian Retail Liquor Market workshop
This upcoming workshop, aims to provide invaluable insights for both newcomers and seasoned professionals in the liquor industry.
Led by industry expert Mr Chris Baddock, with over 22 years of experience spanning suppliers, retailers, and wholesaler businesses, participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of the Australian retail liquor landscape.
This workshop promises to be an invaluable resource for anyone involved in the production and distribution of alcoholic beverages, offering practical insights and strategies for success in the Australian liquor market.
Key topics include:
- Understanding local, regional, and national idiosyncrasies in the liquor industry.
- Practical strategies for entering the market and sustaining sales growth.
- Insights into supplier brands and private label production.
- Practical guidance on logistics and industry norms (pricing, responsibilities for costs, volumes, finding and working with distributors, etc.) for small wine producers looking to penetrate and service the East Coast from Margaret River.
- How smaller producers can work with the big retailers and succeed.
- Exploring the feasibility of a state-by-state approach.
- Strategies to avoid the discounting cycles.
- Networking opportunities with industry peers.
Workshop details:
Two choices to register for this 2-hour workshop followed by a networking lunch.
- Margaret River 31 July, 10am – 1pm
- Hillarys 1 August ,10am – 1pm
Cost: $30 per person plus GST and booking fees
Limited availability: Maximum of 2 people per business
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.
When: Wednesday, 7 August 2024
Where: RAC Karri Valley Resort, Pemberton
Cost: $150 symposium, $110 dinner, $10 transport from/to Margaret River
Further details on the event and ticketing can be found on the Wines of WA events page.