Interview with Di Davidson [transcript] Interviewer: Rob Linn

Di Davidson grew up in Angas Plains, adjacent to the Langhorne Creek area, on a broad acre farm. After studying agricultural science at Adelaide University, she was employed at James Cook University as a tutor in Botany, and received her Masters Degree. Feeling restless with her University life, she returned to South Australia in 1975, where she began employment at Penfolds winery as a wine chemist??s assistant, later being promoted to a managerial position. In 1987, Di began her own viticultural consultation business, which she still ran at the time of interview. This interview focuses on the eight years Di spent at Penfolds winery, and the changes she witnessed in its infrastructure. Discussion Topics Side A: Personal background. Education. University experiences. Studying in Queensland. The return to South Australia. Employment at Penfolds Winery. Learning about viticulture. Max Schubert. Being a woman in a male dominated industry. Obstacles to career advancement. Outdated technological practice in the industry. Changing grape varieties over time. Dealing with long-term employees as a young woman. The ??dying days?? of family-owned wineries. Penfolds. Experimentation with new technologies. Changes in business practices of winemakers. Side B: Management problems. The importance of fencing isolated vineyards. Adapting overseas ideas. Career changes. Problems of producing wine in tropical areas. Creating her own business. The Vine Pull scheme of 1985. The nature of her company. The Australian Wine Research Institute. Sustainable use as ??Best Practice??. Recent changes in the Industry

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