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Background

Delivering high value to the Australian wine industry through world-class research and integrated solutions.

The Australian Wine Research Institute (AWRI) was established on 27 April 1955, and is located on the Waite Precinct in Urrbrae, South Australia (20 minutes south-east of Adelaide by car). The decision to locate the AWRI's buildings on the Precinct showed great vision as the AWRI is now part of an internationally-recognised research cluster.

The AWRI's Board is comprised of six members elected by the Australian wineries and grapegrowers who pay The Wine Grapes Levy and The Grape Research Levy; the Managing Director of the AWRI (ex-officio), a representative from The University of Adelaide and two 'Special Qualification Directors'. The AWRI's activities are mainly funded by Australian winemakers and grapegrowers, through the investment body the Grape and Wine Research and Development Corporation (GWRDC), with matching funding from the Australian government.

The development of research projects at the AWRI are guided by the AWRI's industry-led Board; with reference to the GWRDC's Five Year Plan; in consultation with industry reference groups (such as the R&D Strategic Directions Group [WFA]); and aligned with the National Research Priorities of the Australian government. Research projects at the AWRI are subject to external review by the GWRDC.

Purpose, mission, vision and values

AWRI's purpose is to contribute substantially in a measurable way to the ongoing success of the Australian wine industry.

AWRI is resolute in its vision to deliver high value to the Australian wine industry through world-class research and integrated solutions and to provide thought leadership to the research activities of the Australian wine industry.

The mission is to underpin that world-class research and integrated solutions with

  • a tenacious pursuit of understanding;
  • the development of a unique, extensive and usable knowledge base; and
  • a focus on contributing substantially to stakeholders achieving their needs.

AWRI's values provide guidance in how it will deliver on its mission. These values are:

  • scientific integrity and excellence;
  • a culture of delivering results;
  • internally and externally collaborative;
  • accountability and transparency; and
  • focused on the Australian wine industry and industry driven.

In summary, AWRI will, in a measurable way, contribute substantially to the ongoing success of the Australian wine industry and it is resolute in delivering high value to the Australian wine industry through world-class research and integrated solutions.

Functions

The AWRI has four basic functions:

The AWRI works exclusively for the benefit of the Australian wine industry, and supports the industry in the following manner:

  • Undertakes strategic and applied research of the chemical, microbiological, molecular and sensory aspects of winemaking.
  • Provides an industry development and support service, which involves:
  • Provides a commercial NATA-accredited Analytical Service that accelerates the practical application of research outcomes in the Australian wine industry (including over 100,000 datapoints each year); provides method and trouble-shooting advice; and assists with export analysis and procedures.
  • Publication of over 850 papers and articles
  • Supervises post-graduate students, and provides lectures to under-graduate students.

The organisations co-located on the Waite Precinct with the AWRI includes:

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