Latest Viticulture Stories

SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif., Dec. 9 /PRNewswire/ -- A consortium of California winemakers has invalidated The Adams-Harbertson Tannin Assay, which has been publicized by the University of California at Davis Viticulture and Enology faculty as an accurate scientific method for tracking tannin concentration in wine. The Journal of the Association of Official Analytical Chemists published a study undertaken by a consortium of winemakers that shows extremely poor precision and incorrectly...

A team of U.S., French and Spanish scientists say they've identified the gene that enables gray mold to kill plant cells. Brown University Professor David Cane and his international colleagues also found deletion of that single gene from gray mold's DNA shuts down its ability to produce toxins that kill cells in more than 200 species of garden and ornamental plants. The fungus, Botrytis cinerea, can kill more than 200 agricultural and ornamental plant species, including staples such as...

Research released on Wednesday shows that grape intake lowered blood pressure and signs of heart muscle damage, and improved heart function in lab rats.The report suggests that eating grapes may help fight high blood pressure related to a salty diet.  Grapes could also calm other factors related to heart diseases such as heart failure."These findings support our theory that something within the grapes themselves has a direct impact on cardiovascular risk, beyond the simple blood...

NEW YORK, Oct. 17 /PRNewswire/ -- This week, internationally acclaimed French brand Caudalie will open the first Vinotherapie(R) Spa in the United States at the iconic New York City hotel, The Plaza. Caudalie revolutionized the spa world in 1999 when they pioneered Vinotherapie(R) by harnessing the untapped, restorative power of grapes and grapevine polyphenols. This landmark property will house the fourth international Caudalie Vinotherapie(R) Spa and the first and only not located on a...

An herbicide that is effective at killing broadleaf weeds in corn, but also annihilated most of the grapes in Illinois and other Midwestern states, may finally have a worthy contender. Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a new grape called Improved Chancellor which is resistant to the popular herbicide 2, 4-D."In 1946, 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic or 2, 4-D was introduced. It was a wonder herbicide," said Robert Skirvin, plant biologist in the College of...

By KATHLEEN BOSWELL BY KATHLEEN BOSWELL DURING THE 2007 Santa Fe Wine & Chile Fiesta, one seminar panel tried to define the meaning of "green" terminology as it applied to winemaking. The panelists thought the best distinction was to divide the green terms into two categories -- vineyard agricultural practices and cellar practices. To help fiesta-goers and readers understand some of the concepts used to characterize grape-growing and wine-making during this year's Wine & Chile Fiesta...

One of France's top research bodies said this week that French scientists have devised a way of using particle accelerators to authenticate vintage wines.The National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS) said in a statement that the new method tests the age of the glass in wine bottles by analyzing X-rays emitted when the bottles are placed under ion beams produced by a particle accelerator."This enables the age of bottles and their origin to be verified and thus a vintage to be...

CONCORD, Mass., Aug. 29 /PRNewswire/ -- Welch's, the world's leading marketer of Concord and Niagara-based grape products, announced today that it has hired Tonic Life Communications as its new public relations agency of record following a competitive review. Welch's will partner with Tonic to raise awareness of the health benefits of Welch's 100% Grape Juice and Welch's 100% White Grape Juice amongst consumer audiences and healthcare professionals. The account will be led by Jennifer Ryan,...

By Lovelidge, Brian Exhibitors and visitors look ahead to the Fruit Focus show later this month. Brian Lovelidge reports This year's Fruit Focus promises a fantastic mix of attractions to keep visitors busy. Apart from over 90 trade stands, including numerous newcomers, there are several events such as two seminar programmes addressing topics of huge importance to growers and wine producers. The same applies to the East Mailing Research farm tours, during which researchers will discuss...

CleanFish, one of the nation's most prominent brokers of wild caught and sustainably farmed fish, and the Fish Friendly Farming(C)-certified grapegrowers and winemakers of Mendocino County have joined forces with some of the nation's most prominent chefs and restaurateurs to celebrate North American Wild Fisheries and sustainable seafood. Together, they will produce a series of public-facing dinners in key metro markets to enlighten consumers about sustainable, artisan-quality seafood....