Ten successful Victorian Rootlings will have the opportunity to attend the ASVO Yarra Valley Trip 'Deluge to Drought: Navigating Moisture Challenges in the Vineyard' on October 8, 2025.
Program Highlights include:
- Regional Overview & Challenges: Chris Beard of TarraWarra Estate kicks off the day with a review of the region's strengths and areas for improvement.
- Disease & Climate Risks: Dr. Andi Roberts-Davison and Dr. Toni Chapman provide updates on disease risks under shifting climatic conditions, with a focus on Bacterial Inflorescence Rot.
- Water Management & Sustainability Panel: This discussion, featuring Ben Bussell (Handpicked Wines), Marti Gallasch, and Jeremy Giddings (Agriculture Victoria Services), focuses on practical solutions for managing water. The panel will cover real-world sustainability initiatives, technology for irrigation, and resilient vineyard infrastructure.
- Open Forum: A Q&A session on proactive strategies for both wet and dry seasons.
- Field Visits: See sustainability and water management practices in action with afternoon visits to Handpicked Wines and De Bortoli Wines.
Successful applicants will be notified on Monday, 29 September, and will have their ticket to the event covered by Rootlings, supported by Wine Australia, with levies from Australia’s grape growers and winemakers and matching funds from the Australian Government.