CropWatch

During a recent visit to the McLaren Vale wine region, Dr Mary Cole joined James Hook for a thoughtful conversation on the living world beneath our feet. Drawing on her deep knowledge of soil biology, Mary explores the vital connection between healthy soils, resilient vines and regenerative farming practices — and why understanding what is happening underground is central to the future of sustainable agriculture.

Vintage 2024 is halfway through picking in the McLaren Vale Wine Region. James, Jen and special guest agronomist Harry Shaw assess grapes after the four-day heatwave. How are the varietals Nero d'Avolo, Aglicianico, Mataro,  Montepuliciano compared to Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon. 

Jen and James chat about the challenges of a wet summer in McLaren Vale.

Berries Peasize is this a good time to have rain? 

James and Jen catch up between Thunderstorms to talk rainfall, disease resistance and upcoming workshops hosted by McLaren Vale Grape Wine and Tourism. 

In this episode James and Jen discuss the new Bio-Scout fungal spore monitoring system and reflect on the growing conditions in vintage 2023.

The CropWatch Podcast returns for a new vintage looking at changing varieties and reworking vineyards.

 

Jen and James review presentations from Foundation Viticulture | South Australia | Nick Dry, which featured websites to help you pick new varieties using the Australian Alternative Wine Show database:  Australian Alternative Varieties Wine Show (aavws.com) and Rauscedo: Grafted vine configurator: choose the perfect one | Vivai Rauscedo

 

Clint Ledgard (CL Contracting) presented tips for grafting, and Matthew Hatwell (Chalk Hill Viticulture) and Jodie Armstrong (MVGWTA) reviewed reworked vines.

Rain overnight has changed conditions on vineyards. Canopies and bunches are wet. James Hook is joined by Jen Pedder Agronomist and grape grower to check for Botrytis in the McLaren Vale CropWatch weather station monitoring site.

Discussed in this podcast;

• Harvest is 40% complete in the McLaren Vale Wine Region
• Late season Botrytis Control. 
• The Grape Assess App. 
• Snail control during autumn. 

Harvest is approaching 30% complete in the McLaren Vale Wine Region. James and Gill meet up to discuss why harvest is late, spring and autumn are cool, and some of the factors that have led to low yields.

CropWatch Vintage 2023 Alternative varieties - how are they looking for Vintage 2023. James Hook and Gill Gordon Smith look at the performance of Fiano, Vermentino, Negro Amaro, Nero d'Avolo, Aglianico and Sagrantino.

CropWatch Vintage 2023 - Ep 1 - Highlights & Lowlights Vintage 2023 has been a challenging season for McLaren Vale grapegrowers. James Hook is joined by Jen Pedder as regular host Gill Gordon-Smith is overseas. Recorded just on veraison (E-L 35) with 45-60 days before harvest begins.