La Trobe University

La Trobe University is a leading research partner in the Australian grape and wine sector, recognised nationally for its work on smoke taint and vineyard resilience to bushfires and prescribed burns. Through a long-standing partnership with Wine Australia and collaboration with industry, government agencies and research organisations, La Trobe has developed practical tools and scientific knowledge that help grapegrowers and winemakers assess, manage and reduce the impacts of smoke exposure on grapes and wine.

La Trobe's research has transformed the industry's ability to respond to smoke events through the development of Wine Industry Smoke Detectors (WISDs) and associated smoke taint risk prediction systems. These technologies provide real-time monitoring of smoke exposure in vineyards, allowing growers to make informed decisions about harvesting, testing and winemaking following bushfires or controlled burns. The University's work has also established critical relationships between smoke exposure, chemical markers and sensory impacts in wine, providing the scientific foundation for industry risk assessment and management.

Working closely with Wine Australia, government land management agencies and industry stakeholders, La Trobe has contributed to the development of early warning systems, smoke monitoring networks, risk prediction tools and management frameworks for both bushfires and prescribed burns. Recent projects have validated smoke taint prediction tools, expanded smoke sensor networks across wine regions, and developed practical guidance to help producers minimise losses and maintain confidence during smoke events.

By combining world-leading smoke taint research with practical technology development and industry adoption, La Trobe University is helping protect vineyard profitability, reduce unnecessary crop losses and improve the resilience of Australia's grape and wine sector to increasing climate-related risks. Its research provides growers and winemakers with the tools and confidence needed to make evidence-based decisions during smoke events and supports the long-term sustainability of Australian wine production.