Wine production is a cornerstone of New Zealand’s landscapes, economy, and cultural identity — yet increasing pressures from climate change, evolving consumer expectations, and land-use challenges are reshaping how vineyards operate across the country.
From irrigation and soil management to disease control and varietal selection, decisions in viticulture are becoming more complex, contested, and consequential. At the forefront of understanding these challenges is Bragato, New Zealand’s leading research and advisory organisation for the wine and grape industry.
In this VIBE session, Juliet Ansell, CEO of Bragato Research Institute will share insights from their work supporting growers and winemakers, exploring how research, technology, and innovation can enhance vineyard resilience and productivity. They’ll discuss emerging trends in viticulture, strategies to navigate climate impacts, and what a sustainable, high-quality future could look like for Aotearoa’s wine industry.
Join us for a thought-provoking conversation on the evolving world of wine, the choices shaping its future, and how science-led insight can help balance environmental, economic, and cultural goals.
Tuesday 18th August 2026
4.00pm-5.30pm
Memorial Hall, Lincoln University
Timings
4:00pm – Arrival and networking
4:10pm – Welcome from Prof. Chad Hewitt, Provost, Lincoln University
4:15pm – Overview on what LU is doing in this space
4:20pm – Keynote presentation
4:45pm – Q&A
5:00pm – Networking
5:30pm – Event concludes
About Our Speaker
Dr. Juliet Ansell, Bragato Research Institute
Dr. Juliet Ansell is the CEO for the Bragato Research Institute. Juliet trained at Kings College London and has a PhD from Oxford University. She has lived and worked as a scientist in the UK, Tanzania, The Gambia, and Australia before taking up a role at Plant & Food Research in New Zealand. In that role Juliet led major research programmes with government and industry support involving lab-based research and human clinical trial work. She was seconded to Zespri in 2014 as Innovation Leader, initially working on human health and nutrition, delivering scientific substantiation of health communications and claims to marketing, before taking up the role of Head of Core and Resilience Innovation. She has been an elected member of the Executive Council of AgriTechNZ representing Major Corporates.
Click here to see more events