Author Archives: organicwinegrowersnz

About organicwinegrowersnz

Organic Winegrowers New Zealand (OWNZ) is an incorporated society for organic and aspiring organic grape and wine producers. We work to encourage and support the production of high quality organic wines from New Zealand, through education, research, networking, and advocacy.

Welcome!

Posted on November 15, 2011

This website shares the pilot trial of the Organic Focus Vineyard project, which monitored the first year of organic grape growing at Mission Estate, Hawkes Bay, New Zealand during the 2010-11 growing season. The focus vineyard project has now expanded … Continue reading →

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A first organic harvest

Posted on May 19, 2011

By Caine Thompson, Mission Estate Viticulturist Veraison to harvest was a challenging time in Hawkes Bay as a grape grower. During this period all blocks in the trial were well set up, with nice open canopies and good balance in … Continue reading →

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Who will be the next Organic Focus Vineyard?

Posted on May 19, 2011

Exciting news: we have been awarded funding from the MAF Sustainable Farming Fund to extend this project for a further three years, in three regions. We are now looking for focus vineyards in Marlborough and Central Otago to join this … Continue reading →

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Assessing the trial as harvest approaches

Posted on March 4, 2011

By Caine Thompson, Viticulturist, Mission Estate In Hawkes Bay during the early summer period we often battle with powdery mildew as the conditions are favorable for this disease. This season has been no different, with high pressure conditions being persistent. … Continue reading →

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Summer field visit

Posted on February 14, 2011

By Bart Arnst, Viticultural Consultant Mission Estate  Vineyard, 14th February 2011 A scorcher of a day which had field day participants looking for shade. The latest of the series of field days planned to show interested parties the progress of the … Continue reading →

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January vineyard update: organic & conventional blocks all in good health

Posted on January 26, 2011

By Caine Thompson, Viticulturist, Mission Estate The January period has bought about some fairly extreme weather events. We have experienced dry, settled conditions with warm temperatures thanks to predominantly north west weather patterns. These conditions have accelerated shoot growth and berry … Continue reading →

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Advisor’s update – December

Posted on December 24, 2010

By Bart Arnst, organic project advisor Mission Estate Vineyard, Tuesday 7th Dec. This was my second visit to Mission Estate as part of the focus vineyard comparison between an “in organic conversion” vineyard and a “conventional or agrichemically run vineyard.” … Continue reading →

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