2018-2023 CAP Grape & Wine Science Cluster Final Research Update
Learn more about the research completed under the Canadian Agricultural Partnership Grape & Wine Science Cluster from 2018-2023.
Research is key to ensuring that Canada has a strong, sustainable, thriving grape and wine industry. The Canadian Grapevine Certification Network administered the first iteration of the national Grape & Wine Research Cluster under the CAP AgriScience Program from 2018-2023.
Click below to learn more about each research theme, view activity summaries, and more.
- Management of Grapevine Virus Diseases
- Cold Hardiness & Climate Change
- Soil, Water, & Crop Quality
- Optimizing the Quality of Canadian Wines
- Crop Protection & Monitoring
Management of Grapevine Virus Diseases Research
Virus diseases, particularly those caused by grapevine leafroll associated virus (GLRaV) and grapevine red blotch-associated virus (GRBaV), are a serious threat in all Canadian wine producing provinces due to their rapid spread and severe impact on grape and wine production and quality.
Activities 2, 3, & 4 of the 2018-2023 AgriScience CAP Cluster studied the incidence of virus infections in Canada, the role insect vectors and their control play in infection spread, and the virus impacts on grape yield and quality. The results from this research will serve to develop strategies to control vectors, mitigate infection impacts to wine quality, and reduce infections in the long-term through adoption of a national clean plant program.
Identification Guide to the Major Diseases of Grapes
The purpose of this guide is to help growers and advisers properly recognize diseases of grapes in Eastern Canada.
Survey and Evaluation on Viruses and Their Effects on Plants - Project Update
Evaluation of Viruses - project update from Activity 4A, July 2020
Mealybug and Scale Management
Wendy McFadden-Smith explores Leafroll virus in Niagara, Ontario.
Guide to the key arthropods of vineyards of Eastern Canada
This comprehensive 114-page guide, available as a free download in English and French, was created in a field-sized format to help growers identify the pests in their vineyards and make informed decisions about how to best protect their grapes. Better understanding the numerous beneficial insects present in the vineyard will enable them to produce grapes sustainably and reduce their reliance on chemical interventions.
Grapevine Viruses: an update from CGCN and Grapevine Virus Sampling 101
Sudarsana Poojari of CCOVI and Jill Page of CGCN presented an update on Grapevine Virus at the 2019 Ontario Craft Wine Conference & Trade Show.
Grapevine Leafroll Viruses Project
Tom Lowery and Jose Úrbez-Torres of Agriculture & Agri-Food Canada explore Grapevine Leafroll virus in a multi-year study.
Research Focus - Red Blotch Disease Ecology and Management
PhD candidate Elizabeth Cieniewicz and plant pathology Professor Marc Fuchs discuss their research looking at the virus associated with Red Blotch Disease, how it spreads among vines, and the implications for management.
Grapevine Viruses (McFadden-Smith, Poojari, Parent, Sept. 2017)
Typical symptoms of Leafroll disease in red cultivars include red-purple discoloration, and rolling backwards of the leaves. In white varietals, this is not as prevalent, although can sometimes be seen closer to the end of the growing season.
Cold Hardiness & Climate Change Research
Cold weather remains an ongoing challenge for the grape and wine industry across Canada. While climate change is predicted to expand areas suitable for wine grape production in the country, more frequent extreme cold weather events through the year, including cold episodes lethal to grapevines are also predicted.
Activities 5, 6, & 7 of the 2018-2023 AgriScience CAP Cluster explored methods to reduce crop loss risks by increasing vineyard tolerance to extreme cold events through enhanced hardiness, crop protection technologies, and improved cultivar selection.
2018-2023 CAP Grape & Wine Science Cluster Final Research Update
Learn more about the research completed under the Canadian Agricultural Partnership Grape & Wine Science Cluster from 2018-2023.
Nova Scotia 2022-23 Bud Hardiness Report No. 9
Kentville RDC - Ninth 2022-23 Nova Scotia Bud Hardiness Report
Grape Hardiness Update for Late March 2023 - BC
Summerland RDC - Grape Hardiness Update for Late March 2023 BC
Grape Hardiness Update for Mid-March 2023 - BC
Summerland RDC - Grape Hardiness Update for Mid-March 2023 BC
Nova Scotia 2022-23 Bud Hardiness Report No. 8
Kentville RDC - Eighth 2022-23 Nova Scotia Bud Hardiness Report
February 2023 Post-Freeze Report: Nova Scotia Wine Grape Initial Impact Assessment
Kentville RDC - February 2023 Nova Scotia Post-Freeze Report.
Grape Hardiness Update for Early March 2023 - BC
Summerland RDC - Grape Hardiness Update for Early March 2023 BC
Nova Scotia 2022-23 Bud Hardiness Report No. 7
Kentville RDC - Seventh 2022-23 Nova Scotia Bud Hardiness Report
Grape Hardiness Update for Mid-February 2023 - BC
Summerland RDC - Grape Hardiness Update for Mid-February 2023 BC
Grape Hardiness Update for Early February 2023 - BC
Summerland RDC - Grape Hardiness Update for Early February 2023 BC
Nova Scotia 2022-23 Bud Hardiness Report No. 6
Kentville RDC - Sixth 2022-23 Nova Scotia Bud Hardiness Report
Nova Scotia 2022-23 Bud Hardiness Report No. 5
Kentville RDC - Fifth 2022-23 Nova Scotia Bud Hardiness Report
Grape Hardiness Update for Mid January 2023 - BC
Summerland RDC - Grape Hardiness Update for Mid January 2023 BC
Grape Hardiness Special Update January 2023 - BC
Summerland RDC - Grape Hardiness Special Update for January 2023 BC
Nova Scotia 2022-23 Bud Hardiness Report No. 4
Kentville RDC - Fourth 2022-23 Nova Scotia Bud Hardiness Report
Grape Hardiness Update for Early January 2023 - BC
Summerland RDC - Grape Hardiness Update for Early January 2023 BC
Nova Scotia 2022-23 Bud Hardiness Report No. 3
Kentville RDC - Third 2022-23 Nova Scotia Bud Hardiness Report
Grape Hardiness Update for Late December - BC
Summerland RDC - Grape Hardiness Update for Late December 2022 BC
Nova Scotia 2022-23 Bud Hardiness Report No. 2
Kentville RDC - Second 2022-23 Nova Scotia Bud Hardiness Report
Grape Hardiness Update for Early December - BC
Summerland RDC - Grape Hardiness Update for Early December 2022 BC
Grape Hardiness Update for Late November 2022 - BC
Summerland RDC - Grape Hardiness Update for Late November 2022 BC
Nova Scotia 2022-23 Bud Hardiness Report No. 1
Kentville RDC - First 2022-23 Nova Scotia Bud Hardiness Report
Grape Hardiness Update for Early November 2022 - BC
Summerland RDC - Grape Hardiness Update for Early November 2022 BC
BC Growing Degrees Days Update - October 2022
Summerland RDC - BC Growing Degree Days Update October 2022
BC Growing Degrees Days Update - September 2022
Summerland RDC - BC Growing Degree Days Update September 2022
BC Growing Degrees Days Update - August 2022
Summerland RDC - BC Growing Degree Days Update August 2022
BC Growing Degrees Days Update - July 2022
Summerland RDC - BC Growing Degree Days Update July 2022
BC Growing Degrees Days Update - June 2022
Summerland RDC - BC Growing Degree Days Update June 2022
BC Growing Degrees Days Update - May 2022
Summerland RDC - BC Growing Degree Days Update May 2022
BC Growing Degrees Days Update - April 2022
Summerland RDC - BC Growing Degree Days Update April 2022
Nova Scotia Bud Hardiness Report No. 12
Kentville RDC - Final 2021-22 Nova Scotia Bud Hardiness Report
Grape Hardiness Update for Early April 2022 - BC
Summerland RDC - Grape Hardiness Update for Early April 2022 BC
Québec Bud Hardiness Monitoring for Winter 2021-22 - Update #10
10th report on bud cold hardiness monitoring in Québec for winter 2021-22.
Québec Bud Hardiness Monitoring for Winter 2021-22 - Update #9
Ninth report on bud cold hardiness monitoring in Québec for winter 2021-22.
Grape Hardiness Update for Late March 2022 - BC
Summerland RDC - Grape Hardiness Update for Late March 2022 BC
Nova Scotia Wine Grape Deep Freeze Events: Climate Trends, Considerations, and Pruning
Kentville RDC - Climate trends, considerations, and pruning tips after a deep freeze event
Nova Scotia Bud Hardiness Report No. 11
Kentville RDC - Nova Scotia Bud Hardiness Report No. 11
Grape Hardiness Update for Mid-March 2022 - BC
Summerland RDC - Grape Hardiness Update for Mid-March 2022 BC
Nova Scotia Bud Hardiness Report No. 10
Kentville RDC - Nova Scotia Bud Hardiness Report No. 10
Québec Bud Hardiness Monitoring for Winter 2021-22 - Update #8
Eighth report on bud cold hardiness monitoring in Québec for winter 2021-22.
Soil, Water, & Crop Quality Research
The goal to reduce the environmental footprint of grape production is paramount to the Canadian wine industry. Conservation of resources such as water and energy, and preservation of natural components of vineyard ecosystems, including soil and vegetation, can reduce requirements for pesticides and energy and improve crop quality.
The impact of responsible management on fruit and wine quality was explored in Activities 8, 9, 10, & 11 of the 2018-2023 AgriScience CAP Cluster through soil fertility, reducing pest pressures and erosion, canopy management, and mitigating excess plant vigour.
2018-2023 CAP Grape & Wine Science Cluster Final Research Update
Learn more about the research completed under the Canadian Agricultural Partnership Grape & Wine Science Cluster from 2018-2023.
Alleyway Cover Crops and Charged Biochar Application Alter Irrigated Vineyards Productivity
A study that aims to examine the effect of cover crop and charged biochar on wine grape yield.
Vermicompost and vermicompost tea for soil and plant health management
Vermicompost and vermicompost tea for soil and plant health management
Optimizing the Quality of Canadian Wines Research
Although domestic wine sales in Canada have been increasing steadily, there remains substantial potential to increase our market share in Canada and expand further into international markets, and further increase their market share. In order to maintain and grow this support, the Canadian wine sector needs to continually optimize the quality of the product , while showcasing the environmental sustainability of the production cycle and maintaining and growing public trust.
Activities 12, 13, & 14 of the 2018-2023 AgriScience CAP Cluster focused on development of indigenous yeasts for domestic wine production, field-to-winery management strategies for improving fermentation efficiency and tannin profiles in red wine, improved processes for sparkling wine production, and consistency in the marketplace.
2018-2023 CAP Grape & Wine Science Cluster Final Research Update
Learn more about the research completed under the Canadian Agricultural Partnership Grape & Wine Science Cluster from 2018-2023.
CCOVI introduces innovative program to assist industry with winemaking decisions
Brock University’s Cool Climate Oenology and Viticulture Institute (CCOVI) has launched its latest outreach program, TanninAlert.
Tips for Managing Sour Rot in the Winery
Tips for winemakers on how to manage sour rot in the winery.
Improving sparkling and still red wine quality - Presentation
Improving sparkling and still red wine quality Presentation from Activity 14, July 2019
Fizz Club December 2019
Sparkling winemakers across Canada are invited to join the Fizz Club Network!
Improving wine quality through yeasts - Project Update
Wine Quality and yeasts project update from Activity 13, March 2019
Detection and consumer rejection thresholds of honey-off flavour in sparkling wine
Poster presented at the Australian Wine Industry Technical Conference (AWITC)
Crop Protection & Monitoring Research
The Canadian wine grape sector is a pioneer in the development and adaptation of novel ecological approaches to crop protection including biocontrol methods, habitat enhancement for pest predators, and early detection of pests and diseases allowing for early targeted controls and reduced pesticide use. A critical component of a successful sustainable pest management strategy is the ability to accurately recognize the onset of a pest or disease condition that needs intervention and reliably model and monitor the development of this pest.
Activities 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, & 22 of the 2018-2023 AgriScience CAP Cluster explored crop protection strategies for healthier fruit and a reduction in the use of pest control products.
Leafhopper Research at SuRDC: Select Results from the 2018-2023 CGCN/AAFC Project
Read a new report from Tom Lowery and Andrea Brauner (AAFC Summerland) on leafhopper research conducted under the 2018-2023 AgriScience cluster.
2018-2023 CAP Grape & Wine Science Cluster Final Research Update
Learn more about the research completed under the Canadian Agricultural Partnership Grape & Wine Science Cluster from 2018-2023.
Horticultural Oils for Grape Pest Management
Read a new report from Dr. Tom Lowery (AAFC Summerland) on various horticultural oils that can be used to manage pests in the vineyard.
Mitigation of Infestations of Multi-coloured Asian Lady Beetle (MALB) in Ontario Vineyards - Project Update
Mitigation of Infestations of Multi-coloured Asian Lady Beetle (MALB) in Ontario Vineyards - Project Update
Management of Grape Leafhoppers: it's a lot about timing
Management of Grape Leafhoppers: it's a lot about timing - January 2021
Crop Protection: Insect and Mite Pests of Grapes
Crop Protection: Best Practices Guide - Insect and Mite Pests of Grapes
Climate Characteristics of Grape Production Regions
Pat Bowen, Carl Bogdanoff and Brad Estergaard of Agriculture & Agri-Food Canada explore climate characteristics for Vitis vinifera production regions in Canada: 1965 - 2019.
New GIS Tools to Guide Terroir-Based Precision Management for Vineyards
Pat Bowen of Agriculture & Agri-Food Canada explore using GIS tools for vineyard management.
Grapevine Trunk Disease in British Columbia: From Identification to Control
José R. Úrbz-Torres and Daniel T. O'Gorman of Agriculture & Agri-Food Canada explore grapevine trunk disease in British Columbia.