The Science of Grapevine Genetics, from Clonal Selection to CRISPR

Why do some grape varieties resist mildew while others don't? Dr Darrell Lizamore breaks down the genetics of PIWI grapes and what it takes to breed disease resistance into a vine without losing flavour.

Dr Darrell Lizamore of the Bragato Research Institute explains how New Zealand scientists are breeding new clones of Sauvignon Blanc, aiming for disease resistance, frost tolerance and better flavour without losing the grape's true identity.

Dr Darrell Lizamore of New Zealand Winegrowers explains how grapevine genetics really works, from centuries of clonal selection and mass selection to induced mutation, transgenics, CRISPR gene editing and epigenetics.

Powdery mildew is getting harder to control in Marlborough. Jim White of Cloudy Bay explains why, and why a new generation of disease-resistant PIWI grape varieties might be the answer New Zealand growers have been waiting for.

Get up close and personal with Jim White as he shares his insights on Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc and the region that has shaped it.

WineGB. 500 members. One CEO. Nicola Bates joins Chris to talk lobbying, duty reform, hybrid grapes and why English wine needs government support to keep growing.

How many bottles does England actually make? Where are we exporting? And can vineyards really make money? WineGB CEO Nicola Bates has the numbers - and some honest answers.

Wilco Lam brought his whole team with him when he left Dry River. Now at Oraterra in Martinborough, he tells Chris Scott what it really takes to build something new from the ground up.

James Ellis of Ellis Wines first appeared on the UK Wine Show in 2006. He's back in 2026 and we asked him the same fundamental questions. His answers reveal just how much the UK wine trade has shifted in two decades.

Wilco Lam, chair of the Wairarapa Winegrowers Association and winemaker at Oraterra, joins Chris Scott to explore Martinborough's terroir, wind-driven viticulture, wine tourism growth and the varieties shaping this corner of New Zealand.