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Western Cape to highlight latest viticulture trends

13 Sep 2019

Wine grape producers and viticulturists can equip themselves with the latest viticultural trends and advice at the Winetech Vinpro Regional Information Days that will be held from 17 September to 3 October in the respective wine grape growing areas. From 17 September to 3 October, wine grape producers and viticulturists can equip themselves with the latest viticultural trends and advice at the Wintech Vinpro Regional Information Days across various wine grape growing areas. Vinpro specialists will share lessons that South Africa can learn from Australia with regard to new vineyard technology, developments and implements, as well as a back to basics approach to soil management, at the Robertson, Worcester and Paarl events.

LiliGraphie via Fotolia

Apart from a great presenter line-up, each attendee will receive a free copy of the recently released book Soil Preparation for Sustainable Wine and Table Grape Vineyards in South Africa. This handy publication was compiled by well-known soil experts Drs Johan van Zyl and Eduard Hoffman and published by Winetech, Villa and SATI (South African Table Grape Industry).

Furthermore, each regional information day will cover topics relevant to the region, including effective water management and maintenance of irrigation systems in the Paarl and Swartland, an explanation of seasonal trends in the Robertson region, as well as the composition and cost management of a good chemical spraying programme and practices that will improve soil health in the Worcester and Breedekloof region.

The Stellenbosch information day will elaborate on world-wide trends in organic and biodynamic wine markets, a revision of good ant management and interpretation of soil analyses with regard to phosphate, as well as the use of mulching and nematodes as indicators of soil health.

At the start of spring experts in the Olifants River region will discuss a spring irrigation strategy for optimum root growth, re-establishment of vineyards in the context of fan leaf virus, as well as bud health with regard to bud mites, bud fertility and the effect of primary bud necrosis on production.