The Australian Wine Research Institute (AWRI) is one of the world’s leading grape and wine R&D organisations supporting a sustainable and prosperous grape and wine industry through world-class research, practical solutions and knowledge transfer. Established in 1955, the AWRI is a company limited by guarantee governed by an industry-led, skills-based Board and is a member of the Wine Innovation Cluster located at the Waite Research Precinct in Adelaide.

The AWRI represents significant investments in capability building and addressing industry issues, with 25% of the organisations’ project activities related to extension and knowledge transfer to approximately 2,500 commercial wine producers and 8,000 wine grape growers. It employs 135 research, technical and support staff and has an annual turnover of more than $17 million. From its base in a purpose-built facility in Adelaide, South Australia, the AWRI undertakes a range of fundamental and applied research programs and provides targeted extension and commercial services as well as a range of fee-for-service activities. Key areas of capability include: flavour and aroma chemistry, sensory science, microbiology, fermentation, molecular biology, genomics, metabolomics, bioinformatics, agrochemicals, viticulture, sustainability, chemical engineering, extension and adoption.