July 2026 | Issue #2
From the Ground Up
Welcome to the second edition of From the Ground Up, Wine Victoria’s viticulture and sustainability newsletter.
Victoria has experienced a remarkably mild start to winter this year. Snow has only recently begun falling across the alpine regions, average temperatures have remained above normal, and much of central and northern Victoria has received below-average rainfall.
While every season is different, winter is often when many of the decisions that shape the growing season ahead are made. It is a time to prepare infrastructure, build soil resilience, review water availability and ensure vineyards are ready for whatever spring brings.
In this edition of From the Ground Up, we're looking at practical winter strategies that can help build resilience, regardless of what the rest of the season delivers.
Hayley Purbrick
Sustainability & Innovation Lead Wine Victoria
Building the Vineyard of the Future
What will Australia's vineyards look like in ten years? The Vineyard of the Future is testing practical innovations to help growers make smarter decisions, improve efficiency and build resilience. The lessons learned are designed to support vineyards across Australia —including here in Victoria.
Case Study: Best’s Wines x Smart Apply – Reducing spray with active sensors
See how Best's Wines in Great Western is already putting precision technology into practice through sensor-based spraying that improves efficiency and reduces unnecessary inputs.
Tools of the Month
Wine Victoria - 2026 Field Day Insights
More than 140 participants at the 2026 Field Days shared their insights on climate, vineyard systems, technology and business resilience, highlighting five key themes shaping the future of Victorian wine businesses.
Water Management Resources
The Australian Wine Research Institute provides a wide range of resources to help growers use their water most effectively, achieving yield and quality targets despite seasonal fluctuations in water availability.
Managing Climate and Extreme Weather
Find Wine Australia resources on management strategies to deal with the challenges of short-term climate cycles and long-term climate change in the vineyard. Including the effects of climate change on competitiveness.
Three Quick Reads
Whether you're reviewing your spray program, considering new technology or checking compliance requirements, winter is the ideal time to make sure everything is ready before the growing season begins. These three resources provide practical guidance to help you prepare.
#1 Drone Spraying Regulations
Drone or remotely piloted aircraft spraying
#2 Paraquat and Diquat final regulatory review outcomes
Agrochemical update
#3 2026/27 Dogbook
Available now
Coming Up
Wine Australia Soil Health Learning Program
Wine Australia is in the early stages of developing a modular soil health extension resource suite for Australian winegrowers with delivery to be piloted across three pilot regions by the end of February 2027. Wine Australia is seeking grower input into the design of resources which will underpin the program, if interested please fill in the survey below.