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In this episode of the CropWatch McLaren Vale Podcast, viticulturist James Hook speaks with internationally recognised soil health educator and consultant Joel Williams from Integrated Soils. Joel has worked extensively across Australia, Europe and Canada, helping growers better understand the relationships between soil biology, plant nutrition and crop health. The conversation explores the importance of healthy soils in vineyard management. An informative discussion for grape growers, vineyard managers and anyone interested in improving soil health, vine performance and the long-term sustainability of viticulture. Find out more about Joel Williams: www.integratedsoils.com⁠

During a recent visit to the McLaren Vale wine region, Dr Mary Cole joined James Hook for a thoughtful conversation on the living world beneath our feet. Drawing on her deep knowledge of soil biology, Mary explores the vital connection between healthy soils, resilient vines and regenerative farming practices — and why understanding what is happening underground is central to the future of sustainable agriculture.

Vintage 2024 is halfway through picking in the McLaren Vale Wine Region. James, Jen and special guest agronomist Harry Shaw assess grapes after the four-day heatwave. How are the varietals Nero d'Avolo, Aglicianico, Mataro,  Montepuliciano compared to Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon.

Jen and James chat about the challenges of a wet summer in McLaren Vale.

Berries Peasize is this a good time to have rain?  James and Jen catch up between Thunderstorms to talk rainfall, disease resistance and upcoming workshops hosted by McLaren Vale Grape Wine and Tourism.

The CropWatch Podcast returns for a new vintage looking at changing varieties and reworking vineyards.   Jen and James review presentations from Foundation Viticulture | South Australia | Nick Dry, which featured websites to help you pick new varieties using the Australian Alternative Wine Show database:  Australian Alternative Varieties Wine Show (aavws.com) and Rauscedo: Grafted vine configurator: choose the perfect one | Vivai Rauscedo   Clint Ledgard (CL Contracting) presented tips for grafting, and Matthew Hatwell (Chalk Hill Viticulture) and Jodie Armstrong (MVGWTA) reviewed reworked vines.

Rain overnight has changed conditions on vineyards. Canopies and bunches are wet. James Hook is joined by Jen Pedder Agronomist and grape grower to check for Botrytis in the McLaren Vale CropWatch weather station monitoring site. Discussed in this podcast; Harvest is 40% complete in the McLaren Vale Wine Region Late season Botrytis Control.  The Grape Assess App.  Snail control during autumn.

Harvest is approaching 30% complete in the McLaren Vale Wine Region. James and Gill meet up to discuss why harvest is late, spring and autumn are cool, and some of the factors that have led to low yields.

CropWatch Vintage 2023 Alternative varieties - how are they looking for Vintage 2023. James Hook and Gill Gordon Smith look at the performance of Fiano, Vermentino, Negro Amaro, Nero d'Avolo, Aglianico and Sagrantino.

CropWatch Vintage 2023 - Ep 1 - Highlights & Lowlights Vintage 2023 has been a challenging season for McLaren Vale grapegrowers. James Hook is joined by Jen Pedder as regular host Gill Gordon-Smith is overseas. Recorded just on veraison (E-L 35) with 45-60 days before harvest begins.

Vintage 2022 is all but complete. Gill and James reflect on grape quality and key weather events this season as well as discuss climate predictions for next season.

Vintage 2022 is slowly progressing. In this episode, Gill Gordon Smith and James Hook catch up to answer why ripening is slow and what is the reason for green berries in bunches this season?

James and Gill discuss the declaration of a La Nina weather event and what that means locally for the McLaren Vale wine community. The risks from downy mildew and bunch botrytis are discussed. What is the difference between botrytis noble rot and the destructive bunch rot?

The CropWatch podcast returns for Vintage 2022.   In this episode, Gill and James discuss the value of Grenache in the McLaren Vale Wine Region, what we can learn from the European Vintage currently underway, and how the wine community should “play the season, not the forecast.”

While the harvest is not quite picked, James and Gill discuss why Vintage 2021 is already being classed as excellent. They also speculate on how Vintage 2019 and 2020 will be remembered, and what 2022 could bring.