Standardisation of analysis of smoke-exposed grapes and wine using gas chromatography (acid hydrolysis approach) across multiple Winechek laboratories in Australia

The bushfires of 2020 highlighted a number of deficiencies in the measurement of risk of smoke damage to grapes and wine in Australia. Only two commercial laboratories were able to conduct the analysis and the backlog of samples sometimes forced grapegrowers to make decisions before receiving results. There is confusion between the different GC-MS and LC-MS methods used by the two laboratories and in interpretation of the results. This project will meet the needs of the wine sector by: - Improving surge capacity in smoke taint testing by increasing the number of laboratories that can conduct smoke taint analysis and offering a localised service to operators in South Australia, Western Australia and the east coast (Victoria, NSW and QLD). - Demonstrating the results from the acid hydrolysis method are consistent and repeatable across three Winechek laboratories employing the method. - Providing publicly-available reference information on the performance characteristics of the method. - Providing Australian winemakers and grape growers with scientifically robust testing results that they can use to make decisions in management of smoke damage to vineyards. The project will involve in-depth research at Winechek and La Trobe University, establish and implement a standardised acid hydrolysis diagnostic method for smoke taint, validate the results against the research laboratory at La Trobe University and provide training to Winechek laboratory staff to ensure accurate and reliable results.