We are well-known in the wine and viticulture industry for our commitment to providing world-class testing services to New Zealand grape growers and winemakers. Our dedicated specialist wine testing team and state of the art lab in the heart of Marlborough has been testing wine for the past decade.
The 2024 harvest is fast approaching and here at Hill Labs, we have tests to assist you with your decision making at every stage of the process, from soil to vine to finished wine.
Juice/Must Testing
Maximising juice quality at harvest is fundamental to wine making. Regular sampling of grapes pre harvest can effectively track juice qualities such as sugars, pH and titratable acidity that are important determiners for when to harvest grapes. Following harvest,YAN analysis is an important tool for preventing stuck or sluggish fermentations.
Our Basic juice panel includes YAN, Malic acid, Titratable acidity, Brix and pH. We can also test Free and Total Sulphur Dioxide, sugars and volatile acidity,with a same day turnaround time provided samples,or grape bunches reach the lab before 1.00p.m.
GLRaV2 and 3 Testing
Grapevine leafroll-associated virus 2 and 3 are destructive viruses that can spread rapidly through vineyards by insect vectors, mealy bugs. This virus can be present for up to 12 months before symptoms appear, but can be confirmed by laboratory analysis so that vineyard blocks can be managed for spread or early detection.
Hill Labs offers both 2 and 3 grape leaf roll virus testing. Both viruses are detected using the Sandwich Enzyme Linked Immuno-Sorbent Assay (ELISA) method. The benefits of this method include higher sensitivity and robustness. The high specificity of the test and the requirement of two GLRaV3 specific epitopes reduces risk of cross reactivity resulting in a false positive.
We understand that providing results in the shortest time possible is imperative for our customers. Our comprehensive testing service is backed by our commitment to fast turnaround times so you have your results when you need them. We have a strong focus on innovation and advancing our services to meet the needs of the food and beverage market.
Our recently purchased BioTek plate reader and washer streamlines our ELISA operations and increases the sensitivity of the method. We offer a five day turnaround time and a competitive price.
We are also committed to reducing our environmental footprint. We have set up three compost bins at our Blenheim site to reduce the thousands of grape leaves and canes going to landfill. The compost created will be used on the gardens surrounding the sites.
Did you know we have a convenient wine sample pick up service to make the whole process as smooth as possible for you? If you have any questions about this, or any of our other services, please contact our Food & Bioanalytical Client Services Team at fnb.csm@hill-labs.co.nz for more information.
