Erl and Roslyn Happ Dunsborough and Karridale, Western Australia 22 hectares at Dunsborough with 800mm average rainfall 135 hectares at Karridale with 1200mm average rainfall Producing wine grapes and quality wines After studying the relationship between temperature and grape flavour for many years, and comparing temperatures with classic wine producing regions in France, Margaret River wine maker Erl Happ bought land south of Dunsborough and at Karridale.

Erl found that, during the month of ripening, grapes make their best flavour when temperatures are at 22°C. And they retain their flavours much better if the temperature rarely exceeds that.

A heat spike of, say, 38°C can cause tissue damage and stop photosynthesis-the plant may not recover.

Erl collects daily temperature data to help him understand why the plants behave as they do under different thermal regimes. He is now finding other applications for his data.

Climate Management Tools Used 

• Monitoring temperature at 20 minute intervals using small temperature loggers at vine height.
• Downloading and analysing data to identify heat spikes which can negatively affect grape flavour.
• Comparisons with classic wine producing regions around the world.
• Focusing vineyard operations on the site with the most favourable climate.

Complete 2004 Story (pdf 102 Kb)

Complete 1999 Story