Viticulture & ampelography consulting to bridge science, tradition, & culture.

Tell the story of your wines beginning with the identity, history, & source of the vines.

Ampelography: The science of grapevine identification and description

Areas of Expertise

Ampelography - trainings & variety authentication

Propagation - consulting & mother vine sourcing

Research & technical viticulture - field work & trials

Science communication - presentations & writing

About

Raquel Kallas has over a decade of viticultural experience in research, extension, and industry, spanning across three countries. She holds a Master’s degree from Cornell University and became recognized as New Zealand’s only Grade 1 Ampelographer in December 2025. Raquel gained an in-depth understanding of premium production practices while working for one of NZ’s most distinguished wineries, Craggy Range. She was initiated into the specialized world of grapevine propagation during her time as Technical Viticulturist at Riversun Nursery. Raquel’s unique blend of scientific and commercial knowledge allows her to apply modern insights to traditional practices, to the benefit of vine health, environmental sustainability, and exceptional wine quality.

Photo: Carl Gunderson

Custom Conservatory Service

Custom mother vine sourcing to establish genetically-diverse, heritage vineyards

Sustainability is inherent in diversity; diversity yields complexity. We are facing a global decline in biodiversity across all cultivated crops, including grapevines. Massale selection is the age-old practice of propagating from healthy, diverse mother vines with characteristics that complement your specific site, climate conditions, and winemaking objectives. This stands in contrast to clonal selection, where all vines originate from a single mother vine with the intention of uniformity. Clonal selection emerged in the 20th century as a solution to the phytosanitary problems that accompanied globalization and industrialization, but continued reliance solely on clones further erodes grapevine genetic diversity.

A massale selection revival is now taking place among prestigious producers, large and small. The first of its kind in Aotearoa New Zealand, NSNZ offers a bespoke service of massale selected budwood for the establishment of custom vineyard conservatories.