This week, I’ve been really getting into Artificial Intelligence (AI).

In particular Chat GPT.

If you’ve been happily getting on with life (like I was until yesterday) not knowing anything about this, let me (try to) explain.

What Siri or Alexa (or whatever you want to call her) is to answering your questions, Chat GPT is to creating content of almost any description.

It’s a chatbot that has spent its entire life learning from the internet. It takes that learning and creates pretty much anything you ask it to…

• an itinerary for your next holiday,
• social media posts for business,
• a personalised workout plan,
• your next school assignment (as you can imagine, this one is causing all sorts of headaches for schools and universities)
• a love letter (a bit too late for Valentine’s Day this year, I’m afraid)
• lyrics for a new song

It can even create blog posts…

…

Stop right there. 

I know what you’re thinking.

And yes, I did give it a go. In the name of research only!

I asked it a simple question and it came up with a passable post (I’ll share it with you in a bit) in around 20 seconds flat.

But where is the fun in that?

Yes, it would make my job a whole heap easier and quicker, but I love writing this blog. I’m a science nerd at heart and love nothing more than researching a question and coming up with the answer (and then sharing it with you!). Each week, I’m learning something new. And I love sharing my findings with you reading along at home. 

So, never fear. Although it’s going to be hard to tell (because I can also ask Chat GPT to write in my voice using all my previous posts as a guide – mind blown!), I promise it will always be me bringing this blog to you for as long as you care to read it.

But, just for interest’s sake (and scientific purposes), let’s see what this pretty amazing piece of technology came up with when I asked it…

Write a blog post on International Syrah Day versus National Shiraz Day…

(the former happens to be today, by the way!)

Syrah and Shiraz are two names for the same grape variety, which is grown in many wine regions around the world. While both names refer to the same grape, they are often associated with different styles of wine, with Syrah being used for the peppery and savory wines of the Rhone Valley in France, and Shiraz being used for the more fruity and bold wines of Australia. As a result, there are two separate days to celebrate the wine made from this grape: International Syrah Day and National Shiraz Day.

International Syrah Day is celebrated on February 16th, and is a day to celebrate the rich history and versatility of Syrah around the world. This day was created in 2010 by the organization Vins de Pays des Collines Rhodaniennes, which represents the wine producers of the Northern Rhone Valley in France. The day is meant to highlight the different expressions of Syrah from different regions, including France, Australia, South Africa, and the United States. On this day, wine lovers around the world are encouraged to taste and share their favorite Syrah wines on social media using the hashtag #SyrahDay.

On the other hand, National Shiraz Day is celebrated on the fourth Friday of July each year, and is a day to celebrate the unique style of Shiraz produced in Australia. The day was first celebrated in 2010 by the Australian wine industry, and has since become a popular event for wine lovers across the country. National Shiraz Day is a chance for Australians to celebrate the rich history of the Shiraz grape in their country, and to taste and explore the different styles of Shiraz produced by Australian wineries.

While both International Syrah Day and National Shiraz Day celebrate the same grape variety, they have different focuses and audiences. International Syrah Day celebrates the global diversity of Syrah, while National Shiraz Day focuses on the unique style of Shiraz produced in Australia. Both days are great opportunities for wine lovers to explore the rich history and unique flavors of this versatile grape, and to connect with other wine enthusiasts around the world.

Not bad, but I think I could have done it better!

 

Loving our blog? Sign up for weekly updates straight to your inbox…

[withwine type=’join-mailing-list’]

 

Now, onto some content that, ok, I didn’t write myself, but that I read about in last week’s CropWatch report and am now reporting back to you…

Vintage Update

E-L stage

Most varieties are at E-L 33, berries still hard and green.

Several early varieties have reached  E-L34 (berries begin to soften; sugar starts increasing) and the most advanced are at E-L35, berries beginning to colour and enlarge.

All early varieties in CropWatch vineyards are showing signs of colour development.

Here is a picture of some Pinot Gris which is quite advanced as compared to the average…

So, I’m not sure why I have been rabbitting on about AI and International Syrah Day, because this is WAY more exciting!

It means we’ve finally hit the final stage in berry development… VERAISON.

That’s the fancy name for when the berries start to change colour and accumulate sugar. 

It’s a little more complicated than that, and perhaps we’ll have another reminder of exactly what happens during this stage next week.

But in short, it means that harvest (and a whole new batch of Somerled wines) isn’t too far away!

 

 

Speaking of which… we had such fun launching our brand new 2022 Somereld Chardonnay and Fumé Blanc under the Club Room vines last weekend. Here are a few snapshots…