Wine grape quality measurement and benchmarking

A primary aim of the project was to share and compare vineyard information and gain a better understanding of the relative importance of different vineyard characteristics. Grape growers from Bendigo, Gundagai, North East Victoria, Perricoota and Swan Hill participated.

Aspects considered were shoot growth, leaf condition, fruit exposure, the spread of fruit, crop load and berry characteristics. A consultancy provided measurements of juice, seed and skin components of berries taken from sampling sites in each of the regions.

Although strong relationships were not found between vineyard and berry characteristics and resulting wine quality for the 2003 vintage, it was considered that vines with a balance of fruitful and vegetative growth, plus well-ripened fruit with low seed weight and deep color, generally yielded good results.