Meet Belinda
Over 20 years of research and practical winemaking experience, I've worked across the global cool-climate wine regions of New Zealand, Canada, and the UK. I am the only English scientist, based in the UK to hold a PhD in Viticulture and Oenology.
Passionate about all aspects of winemaking, my scientific, data-driven approach recognises that vineyard interventions directly impact wine quality. My consultancy balances the impact of a changing climate with wine chemistry, sensory assessments, and practical insights.
Cool Climate Expertise
My PhD was awarded in 2010 from Lincoln University (New Zealand), exploring the impact of leaf removal on the flavour, aroma, and sensory characteristics of Pinot Noir red wine. My research career has since spanned the global wine industry:
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UK: Group Leader at Niab - nature-based viticulture solutions, cool-climate sparkling and still winemaking, and pruning and product development.
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Canada: Principal Scientist at CCOVI - Leading pioneering research into each stage of sparkling wine production, Maillard reaction flavours in sparkling wine, investigating how soil types, ingredients, clones, rootstocks, and leaf removal timing and severity impact sparkling and still red wine.
Bridging Science and Commercial Winemaking
Very Short Testimonial?
Organisation
"Belinda is exceptionally knowledgable about both the viticulture and oenology research landscape and the commercial realities of growing and wine making."
What sets me apart is my rare blend of academic rigour and hands-on commercial insight. Having worked as a winemaker and vineyard assistant, I understand the operational realities of the wine industry.
As a research consultant, I help businesses improve their profitability and sustainability, through:
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Innovation and IP: Translating cutting-edge research into commercial success (holding one granted patent).
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Securing Funding: Building industry consortia to win major international research grants
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Future Thinking: Leading cutting-edge projects, from using satellite imagery and machine learning for grapevine disease detection, to incorporating bioacoustics to monitor biodiversity.
My robust research provides evidence for decision-making during wine production, aiding product development, improving operational efficiency, and increasing staff knowledge.
Industry Leadership
My voice is globally respected in wine science. As the first person from the UK to hold a presiding role at the International Organisation of Vine and Wine (OIV) and as a serving member of multiple scientific advisory boards, my expertise is extensive.
As an exceptional communicator with a background in the performing arts, I excel at translating complex science into actionable insights. My popular 'Fizz Club', a knowledge exchange for sparkling wine producers in Canada; extensive journal publications; engaging keynote speeches; and educational experience demonstrate my ability to deliver bespoke staff training and course development.
"Working with Prof Richard Marchal, University of Reims, I realised there was a gap between the science and chemistry of sparkling wine, and an in-depth scientific understanding of how changes at each stage of production could impact the final wine.”
Dr Belinda Kemp | Wine Research Consultant
Let's Work Together
If you’re looking for a research specialist to help translate complex science into practical recommendations to help your business remain competitive, get in touch today.
VitiVino can work with you to tailor a scientific solution to address your specific challenge and fit your budget and timeline.
Fill out the form for an initial no-obligation discussion.