Most vineyards are producing below their yield and quality potential. With decades of research, teaching and consulting experience, Dr. Richard Smart helped winegrowers improve vineyard performance through smarter canopy management, site selection, variety choice and proven vineyard practices.
Years of Experience
Clients Worldwide
Scientific & Technical Publications
Degrees Including 2 Doctorates
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EXPERTISE THAT DELIVERS
For more than five decades, Dr. Richard Smart has combined scientific research with practical vineyard experience to help growers understand what makes a vineyard perform at its best.
From canopy management and site selection to vineyard diseases and sustainable management practices, Smart Viticulture provides independent, evidence-based advice designed around the individual needs of each vineyard.
The goal is simple: help growers produce better yields, improve grape quality and make smarter decisions based on proven viticultural science.
Every vineyard is different. Smart Viticulture provided practical, research-driven consulting across the key areas that influence vineyard performance, productivity and grape quality.
Advice on canopy management strategies designed to improve vineyard productivity, grape quality and canopy microclimate.
Expert guidance on vineyard site selection and variety choice to help growers make informed decisions before planting.
Advice on internationally recognised vineyard management practices that can improve performance, efficiency and consistency.
Practical advice on controlling grapevine trunk diseases in both young and established vineyards.
Introducing “The Flying Vine Doctor 2.0”
“Most vineyards are producing below their yield and quality potential. Let me show you.”
1965
Studying irrigation and canopy management in Griffith, NSW, Australia.
1971
Studied with Professor Nelson Shaulis at Cornell University, New York, USA.
1976
Taught viticulture and conducted research at Roseworthy Agricultural College, South Australia.
1980
Worked as a government viticultural scientist in New Zealand.
1991
Consulting through Smart Viticulture across NSW, Tasmania, the UK and Victoria, Australia.
Award-Winning Excellence
2025 — Inductee to New Zealand Winegrowers Fellows
2018 — Fellow, Australian Society of Viticulture and Oenology
2015 — Best Trade or Technical Wine Writer, Wine Communicators of Australia
2007 — Inducted into the New Zealand Wine Hall of Fame
2005 — Named among Decanter magazine’s “50 Most Powerful Names in Wine”
2004 — Wine Industry “Personality of the Year” for Innovation, Wine magazine (UK)
2004 — Named one of the “World’s 50 Most Influential Winemakers,” Wine & Spirits magazine (US)
2004 — Personal Award for Contributions to the New Zealand Wine Industry
2001 — Honorary Research Lecturer, South African Society for Enology and Viticulture
1990 — Honorary Life Member, New Zealand Society for Viticulture and Oenology
1989 — Honorary Research Lecturer, South African Society for Enology and Viticulture
1989 — New Zealand Wine Industry Personality of the Year
THE CLASSIC GUIDE TO CANOPY MANAGEMENT
Often described as “the bible of canopy management,” Sunlight Into Wine is a practical guide for winegrape producers looking to understand and improve vineyard canopy management.
Published by Winetitles of Adelaide in 1991, the 96-page book was developed by Dr. Richard Smart and agricultural engineer Mike Robinson while both worked with the New Zealand Government.
The book was designed to be practical, trustworthy and easy to understand, providing growers with the scientific principles behind trellis system design and practical canopy management techniques.
RESEARCH & KNOWLEDGE
Dr. Richard Smart has contributed more than 400 scientific and technical publications throughout his career. His research, writing and teaching have helped growers and viticultural professionals better understand the relationship between vineyard structure, sunlight, canopy management and grape quality.
Scientific & Technical Publications
GLOBAL VITICULTURAL EXPERIENCE
From Australia and New Zealand to Chile, China, the UK and beyond, Dr. Smart has worked with vineyards and wine businesses across diverse climates, regions and growing conditions.
This international experience provides a broad perspective on vineyard management—and allows Smart Viticulture to bring proven ideas from one region to another.
Australia · New Zealand · UK · Chile · China · International
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LET’S IMPROVE YOUR VINEYARD
