The Partners

Download Wine Innovation Cluster Partners.

Australian Wine Research Institute

is a private company owned by the Australian grape and wine industry. For over 50 years, AWRI has contributed substantially to the success of the Australian wine sector through world-class research, development of integrated solutions and knowledge extension.

Based on excellent science, AWRI's research, development and extension activities aim for fundamental understanding and direct industry application. The R&D priorities are driven by the grape and wine sector and mostly funded by the Grape and Wine Research and Development Corporation (GWRDC), in addition to undertaking contract research. To complement its R&D activities AWRI plays an important role in the dissemination of knowledge throughout the sector, as well as fast-tracking uptake and application of important research outcomes through its commercial Analytical Service.

AWRI's staff are specialists in traditional and cutting-edge disciplines such as: biochemistry, organic and analytical chemistry, chemical engineering, chemometrics, fermentation management, knowledge and information management, mass spectrometry, microbiology, metabolomics and systems biology, molecular biology, near infrared spectroscopy, sensory science, viticulture, and winemaking.

For further information, visit the AWRI website.

CSIRO

is Australia's national science agency and one of the largest and most diverse scientific research organisations in the world. CSIRO applies strategic research in the plant sciences to promote profitable and sustainable agri-food, fibre and horticultural industries, develop novel plant products, and improve natural resource management. Research undertaken by CSIRO also targets the challenges of social, economic and environmental sustainability, with a strong focus on the improved management of agricultural and rangeland landscapes with respect to production/profitability, resource use efficiency, biodiversity conservation and ecosystem services at the paddock, farm and landscape scales.

CSIRO's grape and wine research is focused on improving the performance of vineyards and grapevines to give benefits along the entire production, processing and marketing chain. We are doing research to better understand grapevine performance and vineyard variability to improve management of existing vineyards and developing tools and improved plant material for the future success and sustainability of the grape and wine industries.

Key areas of research include plant performance and response to stresses such as temperature, drought and salinity, flowering and fruitfulness, berry development and ripening, fruit composition, disease control, as well as addressing sustainability issues such as water and nutrient use and the appropriate management of vineyard soils. Understanding and managing vineyard variability forms a key part of this work.
Quality characteristics such as berry colour and flavour are a particular focus, especially the compounds and genes responsible for fruit composition that influence wine quality, such as flavour and aroma.

CSIRO plant breeding is targeting improved grape varieties, as well as better rootstocks adapted to Australian conditions, using improved genetic material from molecular and conventional breeding.

CSIRO grape research is based on the Waite Campus in Adelaide, South Australia and at Merbein in the Sunraysia district of northwest Victoria and is conducted in partnership with industry collaborators at a range of sites throughout Australia's winegrowing regions.

For further information, visit the CSIRO website.

SARDI

is acknowledged as a leading research & development institute delivering innovation to enhance the food, fibre and bioscience industries and living environmental systems.

Its role is to provide research that delivers technical solutions and platforms to target industries based on scientific excellence and contemporary needs. Viticulture has long been a SARDI strength. Further strengths in Climate Applications and Plant & Soil Health complement their viticultural capacities.

For further information, visit the SARDI website.

The University of Adelaide

Established in 1874, the University of Adelaide is Australia's third oldest university. It has a rich tradition of excellence in education and research with world class academic staff and a vibrant student life.

The University's research is at the leading edge of knowledge, with research earnings consistently the highest per capita of any university in Australia. Analysis of the impact of publications and citations shows that the University of Adelaide is ranked in the top 1% in the world in 11 research fields. Wine, food and agriculture are a major strength and research focus of the university.

The School of Agriculture, Food and Wine is located on the famous Waite Campus.

For further information, visit the University of Adelaide website.