Upcoming
Vine Genetics: Presentation and Roundtable Discussion
Martinborough - February 16th 3 - 5 pm, location TBA
Marlborough - February 24th, 3 - 5 pm, MRC Theatre, 85 Budge Street, Riversdale, Blenheim
RSVP required to raquel@naturalselection.co.nz
Topics
The domestication of Vitis – from 11,000 years ago to today, genetic diversity & erosion
Mutations & epigenetics – current understandings & implications in vegetatively propagated vines
Massale to clonal selection – the driving forces behind the 20th century shift to clones
The NZ context – how to seek out the best mother vines & opportunities for community collaboration
Roundtable – is it time to begin telling the story of our wines starting with vine genetics uniquely shaped by NZ terroir?
Other regional associations or interested groups, get in touch to schedule a talk!
About: Raquel Kallas is a Hawke’s Bay-based viticulturist with over a decade of experience in research, extension, and industry. She holds a master’s degree from Cornell University and undertook advanced ampelography training overseas with the OIV in July 2025. In December 2025, she became recognized as NZ’s only Grade 1 Ampelographer by New Zealand Wine.