Centre People
DAMIAN MARTIn, phd
Science Group Leader - Plant & Food Research
Background
Damian’s move back to research follows 14 years working in the commercial sector of the New Zealand’s wine industry. Most recently as General Manager of Ara Wines, Damian was the driving force behind the establishment of a vineyard, wine style and brand proposition unique to New Zealand. His professional career has included senior technical and operational roles for two of New Zealand’s leading wine companies, Corbans and Montana. Damian graduated with a BSc (Chemistry) from the University of Canterbury, New Zealand, before completing postgraduate studies and PhD in Oenology and Viticultural Science from the University of Bordeaux, France. His research focused on the eco-physiology of the grapevine and in particular soil moisture influences on grape and wine quality attributes in the Southern Rhône Valley.
Expertise
Damian’s area of expertise centres on the influences of environmental factors and viticultural inputs on grape and wine composition. His knowledge has been gained both through practical experience across a range of grape growing situations and specific research into eco-physiology. Throughout his time in the New Zealand wine industry, Damian has also played a significant role in promoting New Zealand’s grape and wine research efforts as both a member of NZ Winegrowers Research Committee and as an original member of the Steering Committee and Board of the Marlborough Wine Research Centre.
Current Research
One of Damian’s key roles will be to assist with the integration of various legacy grape and wine research programmes (Designer Grapevines, Sauvignon Blanc II) into an overall Grape and Wine Sector Research Strategy. His practical experience will help ensure that the strategy maintains the right balance of shorter term commercial focus within the long terms sector science programme. His research will focus on the compositional and sensory impacts on wines from field based viticultural treatments, often in association with post harvest and winemaking manipulations.
