Explore the potential of 22 alternative wine grape varieties
Approximately 80% of WA's wine grape production comprises five varietals.
Reliance on a small collection of varietals presents certain challenges, especially in terms of adapting to a changing climate and market trends.
Varietal selection is one tool available to address these challenges.
The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, with collaborating partners, are holding an alternative variety field walk to inspect the performance of 22 varieties and discuss their suitability to WA growing conditions.
Format: 'Open house' - drop into the WA College of Agriculture any time between 10am and 1pm on 17 January and make your own way through the block inspecting the 22 alternative varieties planted.
Whites: Arneis, Fiano, Harslevelu, Pignoletto, Pinot Gris, Savagnin, Scheurebe and Vermentino.
Reds: Alicante Bouschet, Bachetto, Carmenere, Dolcetto, Durif, Fer, Graciano, Kardarka, Lagrein, Montepulciano, Sangiovese, Saperavi, Sciacarello and Tannat.
There will be wines available to taste that were made in 2017 from 12 of the featured varieties.
Information on the background and characteristics of each of the varieties will also be on display.
For more information or to RSVP please contact Richard Fennessy, Research Officer on +61 (0)8 9780 6219