http://winebiz.com.au/dwn/ Your daily source of wine news en-au Copyright 2013, winebiz.com.au Lauren Corsey Nick Welsh http://www.winebiz.com.au/dwn/details.asp?ID=11325 Winemakers could achieve greater resource efficiencies if a South Australian based study into the use of an industrial scale solar hot water system proves successful. Manufacturing, Innovation and Trade Minister, Tom Kenyon said the government had committed $100,000 to a Barossa Valley consortium undertaking the study through the State Government's ClevergreenTM Eco-Innovation Program. http://www.winebiz.com.au/dwn/details.asp?ID=11326 The Murrumbateman wine industry is big business and appears to be taking the mantle as the area's major economic driver. Ken Helm, of Helm Wines in Murrumbateman, said wineries were now the leading industry to support the Yass Valley region. "In the very early days it was a minor player in the rural economy but it's now a major player," he said. http://www.winebiz.com.au/dwn/details.asp?ID=11327 Seguin Moreau will be conducting two workshops as part of the 15th Australian Wine Industry Technical Conference at Sydney in July, which is operating in conjunction with the WineTech. Workshop W02 Premium Oak Selection - a new direction for the future – will be conducted by Graeme Little and Dr Kerry Wilkinson on Saturday 13th July 9am -1pm. This workshop will go through the various developments in the oak industry, looking at past, present and future methods of oak selection. http://www.winebiz.com.au/dwn/details.asp?ID=11328 The Sydney Wine Academy now offers the internationally recognised Wine and Spirit Education Trust Courses (WSET) in Victoria. The highly regarded WSET qualifications are ideal for those already employed in the restaurant, wine or service industry who are looking to take the next step in their career. The courses are also perfect for wine enthusiasts looking to increase their knowledge. http://www.winebiz.com.au/dwn/details.asp?ID=11329 Overseeing Crown Melbourne's 15,000 wine bottle inventory across seven wine cellars is just part of the job for sommelier Chris Crawford in a new role there. Crown has announced the seasoned sommelier has been appointed to the newly created position of Director of Wine. As well as looking after the giant collection, he'll be responsible for Crown's overall wine strategy including procurement and training, and will mentor the operation's team of sommeliers. http://www.winebiz.com.au/dwn/details.asp?ID=11330 The area of land dedicated to winegrapes in Marlborough has tripled since 2002 while sheep numbers have steadily declined. Statistics New Zealand this week released statistics showing a total 22,630 hectares of vineyards in Marlborough in June 2012, compared with 7521ha in 2002. At the same time the Marlborough sheep flock has shrunk 30 per cent in 10 years to 547,000, from 785,115 in 2002. http://www.winebiz.com.au/dwn/details.asp?ID=11331 Waimea Estates has fashioned an impressive record in wine competitions around the world, winning 115 gold medals and 20 trophies across seven different wine styles in the past 15 years. But last week Waimea showed that it can also produce great wines at an affordable price after eight of its wines were named in the Winestate Magazine Top 40 Best Buys for wines in New Zealand and Australia. http://www.winebiz.com.au/dwn/details.asp?ID=11332 "It's a wine of taffeta, well woven and of good yarn," said the French Renaissance writer and epicure Francois Rabelais of the charms of a Chenin Blanc. It's one of the most thrilling white grape varieties, yet is too often overlooked, certainly here in New Zealand, despite the fact local winemakers have shown we can make stunning examples.