2026 I Changing Climate, Smart Viticulture - Field Days in Mornington Peninsula & Macedon Ranges - SOLD OUT!

2026 I Changing Climate, Smart Viticulture - Field Days in Mornington Peninsula & Macedon Ranges - SOLD OUT!

Wine Victoria’s popular field day series returns this June. Now in its third year, these sessions have consistently sold out, and for good reason.

Mornington Peninsula Field Day Details - SOLD OUT!

Date: Wednesday, 3rd June 2026
Time: 9:00am registration | 9:30am program start | 3:00pm program concludes | 3:00–4:00pm Social hour
Location: Stonier Wines, 2 Thompsons Ln, Merricks VIC 3916
Event Fees: $40pp + GST (Includes admission and all refreshments provided)
Important: This event is open to Wine Victoria members only (direct or via your Regional Association)

Thank you for your interest in the Mornington Peninsula Field Day, this event has sold out.

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Macedon Ranges Field Day Details - SOLD OUT!
Date: 
Thursday, 4th June 2026
Time: 9:00am registration | 9:30am program start | 3:00pm program concludes | 3:00–4:00pm Social hour
Location: Lyons Will Estate,  60 Whalans Track, Lancefield VIC 3435
Event Fees: $40pp + GST (Includes admission and all refreshments provided)
Important: This event is open to Wine Victoria members only (direct or via your Regional Association)

Thank you for your interest in the Macedon Ranges Field Day, this event has sold out. 

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Join us for a practical, forward-focused day featuring insights from industry leaders working at the coalface of viticulture and innovation.

KEYNOTE: Climate and seasonal outlook

Meteorologist Jane Bunn will cover changing climate patterns in southern Victoria, including frost, heat and storm risks, how forecast confidence works, and what to watch for this season.

Key industry trends and outlook

An update from Stephanie Duboudin, CEO of Wine Victoria, covering sector priorities, economic insights and what’s ahead.

Panel Discussion – Planning for drier seasons and managing risk

Lucy Etheridge (Yarrawalla Vineyard; Chair, Wine Victoria Technical Committee) will chair a panel of industry leaders covering long-term yield impacts, irrigation optimisation and water/energy efficiency, use of soil monitoring, sensors and satellite imagery, managing consecutive dry years, what works (and doesn’t) in dry winters, automating irrigation, implications for the next vintage, and vine recovery.

Mornington Peninsula panel:

Macedon Ranges panel:

  • Tim Brown – De La Beche
  • Ben Ranken – Wilimee Wines
  • Tillie J – Tillie J Wines
  • Alison Kelly – Agriculture Victoria

Managing weather and disease risk

Insights from Stuart Putland (MVWI) on the GrapeWatch Project, covering downy mildew and adaptive responses, key learnings and changes in practice, benefits and pitfalls, how technology is applied in vineyards, and emissions reduction opportunities.

Self-Driving Robots – Vineyard Automation Demonstration

Cam Clifford from Agri Automation will present a live demonstration of the Burro — a fully electric, autonomous ground vehicle designed to assist vineyard crews with heavy hauling and repetitive field tasks such as mowing and spraying. See Burro in action here – Argi Automation Australia

Using data, AI and technology

Alicia Gault from the Birchip Cropping Group will present on the adoption and application of AI and technology, why it matters now, how AI can support (not replace) decision-making, where it is already delivering value, and the benefits, risks and limitations of group-based approaches.

Real-world application and peer learning

Insights from Chris Mein (Longview, Adelaide Hills) on applying technology and decision-making in practice, building efficiency without cutting corners, real examples of what works, using digital tools day to day, and learning through trial and error.

The day will conclude with an interactive workshop led by Hayley Purbrick, where participants will share insights, explore risks and opportunities, and identify practical ways to improve vineyard health, productivity and business sustainability.

Ag tech demonstrations
Demonstrations from ag tech providers during lunch, showcasing tools and technologies supporting vineyard monitoring, efficiency and decision-making.

Lunch will be provided.

Mornington Peninsula Field Day has sold out

Macedon Ranges Field Day has sold out


The Wine Victorian field day program is delivered through the support of
Wine Australia's Regional Program.