McLaren Vale Grenache to the World

"..the best businesses have a conversation with people, they don't just transmit stuff, and the very best ones understand what emotion they are trying to engage within their customer."

Toby Bekkers, Bekkers Wine

Toby Bekkers is many things. A Viticulturist, Vigneron, Wine Business Consultant, Nuffield scholar, McLaren Vale identity and master observer.

Toby chats about converting vineyards to organics and biodynamics, selling wine to race horse owners, where he observes to find the best learnings and Graham Norton.

Click the image and Enjoy the video

Vineyard Soils Guru - Professor Bob White

"Provided you're putting adequate amounts of the right kind of organic matter you will have a diverse micro flora in the soil." Prof. Bob White

 

Professor Bob White, author of "Understanding Vineyard Soils" and "Soils for Fine Wine"  knows his soils.  We discuss what makes a great viticultural soil, soil biology, terroir and how he came to be involved in the world of vineyard soil's.

Speaking with Bob is a real privilege, as he is a gem of the wine industry's soil sphere.

It is just a pity we had an unexpected intruder at the end...

Click the photo to view the video and enjoy.

Aromatic Soil Biology - Buxton Black Truffles

"Having a good healthy soil is the key to having good aromatic truffles" Adrian Utter

Adrian Utter and his father Bob love the sweet smell of soil biology - Truffles that is.  Set in the Acheron Valley of Victoria, their Buxton Black Truffles tuffiere is a mix of oaks which are now close to 10 years old.  With the help of Lily, the truffle hound extraordinaire they go searching for the microbial jewels of the soil.

We talk soils, aromatics, tree establishment, the influence of Bob and put Lily to the test to hunt for truffles too. I wish we had smell-o -vision!

Enjoy.

Repairing the Ozone Layer

"The ozone hole recovery at this stage, 34% of that recovery, is just due to the regulation of methyl bromide." Prof. Ian Porter

As a child of the 80's and 90's, I vividly remember the discussion around the hole in the ozone layer, a real hot topic of the time.  Professor Ian Porter of La Trobe University has been working with the United Nations since the Montreal Protocol was enacted to aid in its repair.  Ian's role has been to co-chair the committee for the reduction of Methyl Bromide in Agriculture. This work, along with the reduction of other ozone depleting substances,  has resulted in significant repair to the ozone layer and the atmospheres ability to filter ultraviolet radiation. 

We discuss soil health, UV radiation, leadership and the politics of working with the UN. Ian is passionate about this topic, hence his recent award of recognition from the United nations for 30 years of dedication to the cause, and a great communicator. 

Enjoy.