John J. Bartholdi’s scientific contributions

Wine production is an important component of Australia's regional economy and wine quality is essential for maintaining Australia's high levels of wine exports to more than 120 countries. Temperature conditions during shipment are highly important in ensuring that Australian wines reach the customer table, locally or overseas, in optimum condition. This paper presents the results of a study tracking the temperature fluctuations that wine is exposed to during international shipment. The results indicate that extreme temperature fluctuations are more prevalent in the land transport legs compared to the sea leg. The impact of other factors such as the date of transport and shipment destination is also analysed. With this knowledge of conditions during travel, the Australian wine industry can put in place guidelines and policies with the goal of minimising exposure to heat and other damage by using appropriate packaging, container insulation or refrigeration and giving attention to the entire distribution process. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS: The authors wish to acknowledge the Wine Supply Chain Council in initiating, supporting and managing the wine temperature study. The authors also wish to thank Bacchus Importers, Rosedale Wines, Mollydooker Wines, Yalumba Wines, Port Phillip Wines, Orlando Wines, Casella Wines, Ospack Systems, JMP Holdings and Gori Australia for their continuing support for the wine temperature study.