In this special April issue of Grapegrower & Winemaker, we take a close up look at the state of the grape and wine sector in Australia and New Zealand.

What are the ‘real numbers’ saying about where the sector has travelled over this past fiscal year, and what are the trends that will influence the next? Inside, you’ll find the latest figures for the crush; see which Australian states and regions have performed well; discover the average purchase price for winegrapes; and learn some other important facts about the business environment that our industry will operate in moving ahead. We also take a particular look at New Zealand wine in a year that saw the local product become a raging export success.

Our main feature turns an eye to the largest operators in wine production in both countries. The annual Top 20 report records the largest wine companies in Australia by sales revenue, and breaks down what’s made these important operators ‘tick’ in a year when many have performed solidly. We also discover more about what’s happened over the last year for the five biggest winemakers in New Zealand.

There’s more to read inside this edition as well. For grapegrowers, there’s the story of a new data application that could change the way vine water stress and irrigation is monitored; we examine new research finding how grapes ‘breathe’ and the how this leads to cell death in the fruit; and, we meet Villa Maria viticulturist Emma Taylor to learn of her NZ industry experiences.

Winemakers will learn about yeast aromatic expression in varietal and non-varietal wine, a new enzyme formulation to stop filter clogging, and some of the ‘cool’ new products unveiled at this year’s Unified Grape and Wine Symposium in the United States. There’s also an in-depth look at how art and sculpture have taken centre at stage at Pt. Leo Estate on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula.