Resource Overview
We are delighted to be joined by three expert speakers for this webinar, which aims to provide you with an understanding of the microorganisms found in the natural flora of the fermenting must and the role of yeast and bacteria in wine.
The panel will look to dispel a few myths, and to examine the important contributions and threats of microbiological populations in winemaking.
The speakers
Dirceu Vianna Junior MW
Dirceu Vianna Junior studied Forest Engineering and Law before moving to the UK in 1989. He has worked as a director at some of the most important wine distributors in the UK. In 2008 he became the first South American male and remains the only one to obtain the title of Master of Wine. He received Viña Errazuriz Award for excellence for the Business of Wine session of the MW exam. After three decades of experience of different sectors of the Wine Industry, he founded Vianna Wine Resources, a company that consults for several businesses across Europe, Africa and South America. He is also a judge at selected wine competitions, a wine educator and writer.
Ann Dumont
Ann Dumont obtained a B.Sc in Microbiology from McGill University in Canada and a M.Sc. from Oregon State University (USA). The topic of her thesis was the impact of wine yeast on the sensory development of Oregon Pinot Noir, Riesling and Chardonnay. She has worked with Lallemand first as a microbiologist and then as the Communication Manager of the Oenology division. She is the author and co-author of many research and technical papers.
Sam Harrop MW
Sam Harrop MW began his career as a winemaker in New Zealand, training at Villa Maria’s wineries in Auckland, Blenheim and Hawke’s Bay. He gained further experience heading overseas to work at Littorai Wines in California and Rosemount Estate in Hunter Valley. Sam joined UK retailer Marks & Spencer in 1997 and help the company achieve significant improvements in the quality of their wines. He passed the Masters of Wine programme in 2002. Sam has in-depth knowledge of the business of wine and understands what it takes to succeed in the crowded global marketplace. He is an adviser to European wineries and distributors seeking to improve wine quality and promote their brands to export markets. Sam created his own label, Cedalion, from vineyards in Waiheke Island where he is located. He also co-owns Peninsula Wines, a dynamic Madrid-based wine marketing business. Sam was the Co-Chairman of the International Wine Challenge from 2006 to 2016, co-authored the book ‘Authentic Wine’ with Jamie Goode and is considered one of the most influential wine consultants in the world.