27 July 2000 Marlborough taste added to Lincoln wine course

A vintage opportunity for Lincoln University viticulture and wine science students has opened up in Marlborough, home of 40 percent of the country's total vineyard area and source of award-winning wines by the cellar-full.

The opportunity is in the form of an agreement with the Marlborough Research Centre which has given Lincoln University access to laboratory and office facilities for students to undertake research important to the development of the province. The students will work in collaboration with, and under the supervision of, HortResearch scientists.

It's regarded as a win-win situation for all parties – the Lincoln students get to work in a premier grape and wine producing district and Marlborough enjoys the benefits of access to the University's internationally acknowledged expertise in aspects of viticulture and oenology.

The agreement, a Memorandum of Understanding with the Marlborough Research Centre Trust, formally recognises a connection between Lincoln and Marlborough that has been maturing since 1983.

The Research Centre is unique in New Zealand, being owned and operated by the trust with significant annual funding from Marlborough District Council.

"We welcome this formalisation of Lincoln University's connection with the Centre and the benefits it will bring to both parties," says Marlborough Mayor Gerald Hope, who is also the Centre's Executive Officer.

Groups based at the Centre have grown from two when it was established in 1984 to seven today. These include HortResearch scientists and consultants with expertise in viticultural activities and research.

Along with an interest in Marlborough's grape and wine production, the Centre is involved with the evaluation of pasture species, the assessment of hieracium species in the high country, pip fruit spacing trials and other work.

"Our grape and wine students are very keen to be associated with the vibrant wine industry in Marlborough and to work there," says Dr Mike Trought, Senior Lecturer in Viticulture at Lincoln University. "The area has the highest reputation overseas for the quality of its grapes and winemaking, so it is good for our students to be working in that sort of environment.

"Lincoln currently has two doctoral-level students working with HortResearch scientists at the Marlborough Research Centre, one investigating botrytis development in vineyards and the other looking into insect pests.

"A third student, studying for a masters degree, is looking at management effects on the composition of Sauvignon blanc grapes – the variety which made the region famous.

"The Lincoln research programme is attracting a lot of very good students from throughout New Zealand and overseas," says Dr Trought. "And at the same time numbers in the degree and postgraduate qualification courses are very healthy."

Dr Trought has a long association with Marlborough. He was closely involved with the development of the Marlborough Research Centre as Officer-in-Charge from 1984-1993.

Ian Collins, Journalist, Lincoln University, Canterbury, New Zealand