Australian Wine Research Institute (AWRI)

The Australian Wine Research Institute (AWRI) is Australia's national grape and wine research organisation and Wine Australia's largest research partner. Established in 1955 and based at the Waite Research Precinct in Adelaide, the AWRI undertakes world-class research, development and extension (RD&E) activities that support a sustainable, profitable and internationally competitive Australian grape and wine sector. The organisation combines scientific research, technical support, knowledge transfer and industry services to help grapegrowers and winemakers respond to production, market, regulatory and sustainability challenges.

Through long-term investment agreements with Wine Australia, the AWRI delivers research and industry support aligned to national grape and wine sector priorities. Key areas of research include wine quality and style, winemaking process optimisation, fermentation science, flavour and aroma development, management of taints and faults, grape and wine chemistry, sustainability, climate adaptation, market access, product innovation, and practices that improve vineyard and winery efficiency. The AWRI also provides critical industry services including technical helpdesk support, regulatory and market access information, analytical services, publications, workshops, training and technology adoption programs.

Wine Australia's investment in the AWRI is funded through industry R&D levies, matching Commonwealth Government contributions and co-investment from project partners. In 2026, Wine Australia and the AWRI entered into a new 4.5-year investment agreement extending to December 2030, with total investment exceeding $28 million. The agreement provides certainty for the maintenance of critical technical capability and industry services while ensuring research activities remain aligned with priorities identified by Australian grapegrowers and winemakers through the One Grape & Wine Sector Plan and Wine Australia's strategic priorities.

The partnership between Wine Australia and the AWRI plays a central role in delivering practical, industry-focused innovation. Research outcomes are translated into tools, technologies, technical resources and extension programs that support practice change across vineyards and wineries, strengthen market access, improve product quality, advance sustainability goals and help the Australian grape and wine sector remain resilient and competitive in a rapidly changing global environment.