Jim Willwerth

Dr. Jim Willwerth is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences and a Researcher in the Cool Climate Oenology and Viticulture Institute at Brock University.  The overarching goal of the Willwerth viticulture laboratory is to improve the sustainability of winegrape production in cool climate regions through selection of more resilient and high quality plant material and development of novel freeze protection technologies.  The major component of his research program is focused on grapevine cold hardiness physiology.  This includes research to maximize cold hardiness in V. vinifera and to further understand cold hardiness physiology and plant responses to environmental conditions during dormancy.  He has an extensive research program on evaluating different grapevine material and how genotypes can impact cold hardiness, vine performance, and wine quality.   He has over a decade of experience with effective technology transfer to the grape grower community. He has been actively involved in professional organizations such as the American Society for Enology and Viticulture – Eastern Section and sits on several grape and wine industry committees.