Much more than merlot is being harvested from the vineyards dotting the landscape near UBC’s Okanagan campus.

The Okanagan Valley is fertile ground for research in an array of academic disciplines—from biology and the microbial makeup of the soil, to engineering more sustainable operations and managing collaborations to support growth.

Researchers are being drawn to this regional cluster of viticulture and wine production because of the unique and meaningful connections with growers and producers. The local industry is keen to collaborate with the university, opening their doors to applied research in vineyards and tasting rooms throughout the valley.

The result has been innovation with the potential to change practice locally and branch out with international effect.

 

Continue reading at University of British Columbia.

Image via University of British Columbia.