Abstract

A multi-agent (MA) cellular automaton (CA) model framework for simulating grapevine growth and crop in Chardonnay cultivated in northern New Zealand is presented. Estimating or projecting grape crop in quantity (grapes in tons per hectare (ha)) and berry quality in Brix (sugar content) is an extremely complex and challenging task. The crop depends on many factors, such as local weather and environmental conditions that interact with each other at varying degrees and over different time intervals in a “chaotic” manner. The key factors and their influences are simulated using CA rules, MA behaviour and interactions. Two sets of CA lattices and rules are used to simulate individual grapevine growth and vineyard phenological dynamics respectively. The results achieved show potential for simulating vine growth and yield in different grape varieties (Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Merlot and other wine styles) and scales, such as New Zealand’s major wine regions and that of the world’s, in ways not been explored previously.