15 March 2004 Research Centre Fine Example of Regional Initiative

Message from Professor Tony Zwart, Assistant Vice-Chancellor, Business Development, Lincoln University

Lincoln University is delighted that its long-standing educational and research commitment to viticulture and wine science has given it the opportunity to become a partner in the Marlborough Wine Research Centre.

The centre is a marvellous new addition to the New Zealand wine industry's South Island infrastructure and a fine example of regional initiative and resourcefulness.

Marlborough is by far New Zealand's largest wine-producing region, a distinction that has grown from small beginnings in the mid-19th century when the first commercial grape plantings were made.

The modern era, however, dates from the start of Montana's large investment in the region in 1973 and that's the same year that Lincoln University launched its research into cool climate grape growing with a modest $500 grant to Dr David Jackson to investigate grape varieties suitable for the cooler conditions of Canterbury.

The region and the University have both gone on to become leaders – Marlborough for the quality of its wines and Lincoln for its wine science and viticultural education and as the first New Zealand university to offer undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in viticulture and oenology.

Undoubtedly the Marlborough Wine Research Centre will become a leader too and Lincoln University looks forward to participating in the journey along with its fellow partners.

We are each bringing individual strengths to the enterprise and I am convinced that together we will see the centre make a major contribution to wine and viticulture research both locally and nationally. On the world stage too there is scope for influence because the language of wine is international and a New Zealand qualification in viticulture and oenology can be a worldwide passport to employment.

The collaboration is unique and innovative, providing a scientific environment to advance our understanding of wine and the factors that contribute to its quality.

We value the complementary nature of the programme. Lincoln University recognises the importance of working closely with the wine industry and regional communities throughout New Zealand. We see the cooperation with Marlborough as providing us with an excellent model.

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