Wine in a Warmer World - Impacts and Adaptation Strategies

Media Release, Tuesday 29 April 2008

Professor Greg Jones, eminent atmospheric scientist from the Southern Oregon University, is currently visiting the University of Melbourne on a Miegunyah Fellowship to discuss potential projects assessing impacts and possible adaptation strategies of the global wine industry to climate change with Professor Snow Barlow’s research group.

While at the University, he will deliver the Miegunyah lecture:

Climate Change Impacts on Terroir: How have Viticultural Terroirs Changed and what does the Future Hold?

In the Turner Theatre, Ground Floor, Botany Building, The University of Melbourne on Wednesday 7 May 2008 at 5.30pm.

Professor Jones will discuss the observed and predicted impacts of increasing temperatures and changing water availability on the major wine industries of the world, with particular reference to the contrasting fortunes of the Australian, American, and French industries.

This lecture is very timely as climate change has been predicted to alter growing and harvesting conditions for Australia’s billion dollar wine industry, which could result in decreased grape quality and consequently lower grape crop gross returns if adaptive measures are not implemented.

Professor Jones’ research examines the range of influences and impacts that climate change brings to viticulture and wine production through quantitative analysis of observed and predicted climates for different wine regions and offers strategies the Australian and global wine industries could use to adapt to climate change.

Professor Jones is visiting The University of Melbourne in April and May 2008 hosted by the Faculty of Land and Food Resources (Viticultural Research Group), on a Miegunyah Fellowship.

Refreshments will be served at the conclusion of the seminar and bookings are essential. Please contact Fiona Kelly (pa-deanlfr@unimelb.edu.au or 8344 5025) to ensure your place.

Free bus transport from Shepparton or Dookie is also available. Please contact Sarah Parker at Dookie for bookings on 0427 535 721.

For more information please contact:

Professor Greg Jones
Southern Oregon University
University of Melbourne Miegunyah Fellow
Tel: 8344 7710
Email: gjones@sou.edu
Mobile: 0415 346 805