New world renowned Director for Wine Centre

An international expert in viticulture will turn his attention to the wine industry in Australia as the new Director of the National Wine and Grape Industry Centre (NWGIC) at Charles Sturt University (CSU).

Professor Alain Deloire, currently Professor in Viticulture at South Africa’s Stellenbosch University, has been named as the new Director and will take up the position in the regional Australian city of Wagga Wagga early next year.

In announcing the appointment of Professor Deloire, CSU Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) Professor Sue Thomas said his international experience in academia and the wine industry will provide strong leadership for the NWGIC into the future.

“Professor Deloire is an experienced research leader. He has had a close and ongoing relationship with the wine industry in both France and South Africa,” Professor Thomas said.

NSW Department of Primary Industries (NSW DPI) Deputy Director General Agriculture NSW, Michael Bullen, said NSW DPI is proud to support the NWGIC, in partnership with CSU and the NSW Wine Industry Association (WIA).

“Science, knowledge and innovation are vital to competitive primary industries and the NWGIC is leading the way in driving positive outcomes for viticulture research, development and education,” Mr Bullen said.

“It is exciting that someone of Professor Deloire’s calibre and experience has accepted the position of Director of the Centre and we look forward to working together to continue to advance the wine industry in Australia.”

NSW WIA Vice President Mr Tom Ward said, “The Association is excited about the appointment of Professor Deloire and the direction the NWGIC is taking.

“We look forward to working closely on state and national issues to deliver the benefits to growers and winemakers of Australia.”

The current NWGIC Director Professor Jim Hardie leaves the position in mid June.

Originally from France, Professor Deloire has published extensively on his major research interests in grapevine physiology and berry ripening. He has taught in general viticulture, grapevine physiology and biochemistry (berry ripening, vine and water relationships, irrigation and reasoning of harvest potentiality), the concept of terroir and oenology.

Professor Deloire’s career has taken him to the USA, Hungary, the Ukraine, Germany, Spain, Portugal, Kosovo, Chile, Argentina, Columbia, Uruguay, Brazil, New Zealand and China.

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