Viticulture
Much of the work is carried out in close connection with local vineyards and the wine industry, ensuring it reflects current challenges and opportunities in the sector.
This research is closely linked to teaching and learning by providing students with hands-on experience in vineyards, access to real data, and involvement in applied projects. Students learn through practical activities that reflect industry practice, helping them understand how research informs decision-making in vineyard management. Strong industry partnerships also mean students gain insight into professional standards and expectations, supporting pathways into employment and contributing to the ongoing development of the viticulture and wine industry.
Research staff in Viticulture
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Dr Stewart Field Research and Viticulture Tutor
Stewart Field’s research focuses on vineyard management and vine physiology, with an emphasis on applied research that supports grape growing practices. His work involves developing and analysing experimental trials and generating real datasets that reflect current viticulture challenges and practices.
Stewart closely integrates his research into teaching by using examples from his ongoing projects in his courses. Students engage with real datasets and observe experimental trials, helping them connect theory with practice. This approach supports understanding of research design and methodology while preparing students for their own projects and industry-based work.
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Jonathan Guild Viticulture and Winemaking Tutor
Jonathan Guild’s research focuses on wine science, particularly the relationship between grape characteristics and wine quality. His current study investigates how berry size influences phenolic content and wine quality in Pinot noir by comparing wines made from grapes sorted by size across different vintages.
Jonathan brings this research into teaching by using industry examples and real-world scenarios to deepen student understanding. This helps students move beyond a basic grasp of concepts and better understand how science is applied in winemaking. His approach strengthens connections between theory, industry practice, and wine production.
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Dion Mundy Tutor | Viticulture
Dion Mundy’s research focuses on grapevine health and disease, including trunk disease detection using AI, downy mildew, grape microbiomes, and disease management in vineyards. His work also explores root and trunk diseases affecting grapevines and kiwifruit, as well as improving how existing research data can be reused and shared. In addition, he contributes to science communication through interviews and podcasts with other researchers.
Dion’s research supports teaching by bringing new and current scientific findings into the classroom, such as recent work on grapevine diseases. This helps fill knowledge gaps and ensures students are learning up-to-date information relevant to the viticulture industry. His strong links with research organisations and industry projects also help connect student learning with real-world challenges and developments.
