On Wednesday, August 26, Dr.  Simone D. Castellarin, Assistant Professor, Wine Research Centre, The University of British Columbia, presented a seminar on his research using molecular viticulture to understand and manage grape ripening. He discussed how deficit irrigation strategies affect fruit ripening and modulate phenolic and aromatic production in red and white grapes. He also presented new research approaches that combine open field trials and large scale metabolite and gene expression analyses.  His research aims to assist viticulturists in understanding the complex biological processes that regulate fruit ripening and composition under different climates and develop new strategies for improving grape quality in the vineyard.