Innovative wine research to future-proof Australia’s industry

June 6, 2018

~~ELAIDE - The University of Adelaide’s Waite campus is establishing a Training Centre for Innovative Wine Production to undertake research aiming to build the sustainability and competitive edge of Australia’s AUD5 billion wine industry.

Centre Director Professor, Vladimir Jiranek, who is also Professor of Oenology at the University of Adelaide, said the research projects would help industry respond to the challenges of climate extremes, diseases, spoilage, water limitations and quality losses.
“We will also be helping industry increase profitability through the production of sought-after, distinct wines that fetch higher prices, and more efficient wine-making processes,” he said.
One project will aim to characterise the distinctive flavours of Australia’s Cabernet Sauvignon wines, focusing initially on the Coonawarra region.
“We want to determine how pragmatic and cost-effective vineyard practices can change grape composition to meet consumer preferences, whether in traditional Western or booming Asian markets,” Prof Jiranek said.
Other projects aim to develop strategies for meeting quality and yield targets despite environmental challenges; better understanding, detecting and controlling disease, spoilage and wine taint; and developing and adapting new technologies to reduce waste and cost, and drive profitability.
The University of Adelaide’s Waite campus is part of Australia’s largest wine research hub in Adelaide’s southern suburbs, which also includes the Australian Wine Research Institute, CSIRO and the university’s teaching winery.
A secondary ARC Training Centre node will be established at the National Wine and Grape Industry Centre at Charles Sturt University in New South Wales.
Launched today by Federal Education and Training Minister Simon Birmingham, the centre is being backed by an A$4.46 million Australian Government grant.   https://agwine.adelaide.edu.au/ (ATI.