The VineWatch newsletter was launched earlier this week, providing vignerons with information during the growing season about pests and disease, vine life cycle, weather conditions, seasonal outlook and workshops.

DPI viticulture leader Greg Dunn said pests and diseases were not a threat yet because vines were still dormant but the risk would increase as buds begin to form.

“Every fortnight, we’ll provide a snapshot on what the risk is of various diseases,” he said.

“It’s a five-year program and we’re hoping it will lead to an improvement in wine quality, then an improvement in performance in the domestic and international markets - we’re hoping to expand the knowledge base and create more profitable wineries.”

A workshop will be held in Orange on September 16, targeting vine nutrition, including how to detect deficiencies and excesses, cutting costs on fertiliser and the impact of climate change.

“Orange is a relatively new wine area with some unique soils, so it’s probably pertinent to look at nutrition,” Associate Professor Dunn said.

“Nutrition has a big impact on the quality of the wine - there’s always advances in this area, so it’s about keeping people up-to-date.

“A changing climate means the vines grow differently and behave differently and that affects nutrition.”

To sign up for the VineWatch newsletter or attend the workshop, contact Associate Professor Dunn on 6933 2016 or email gregory.dunn@dpi.nsw.gov.au.

danielle.cetinski@fairfaxmedia.com.au