The AWRI has four main functions:

1) undertaking and communicating research into Wine composition, quality and sensory characteristics;

2) industry development and support;

3) transferring research outcomes to practice via a commercial Analytical Service; and

4) coordinating oenological activities, including collection, collation and dissemination of oenology and viticulture research for the benefit of the Australian wine industry.

This section of the website provides information on the research undertaken at the AWRI into Wine composition and sensory characteristics.

The below research projects conducted by The Australian Wine Research Institute are supported by Australia's grapegrowers and winemakers through their investment body the Grape and Wine Research and Development Corporation, with matching funds from the Australian Government.

• Application of research and development to industry problems and opportunities: investigations into the relationship between Dekkera/Brettanomyces yeast and wine spoilage
• Defining, measuring and controlling important volatile flavour compounds grapes and wine
• Identification, measurement and enhanced control of non-volatile phenolic compounds responsible for colour and mouth-feel of wine
• Interactions of non-volatile and volatile compounds in wine: major influences on wine flavour perception
• Microbiological modulation of wine sensory characteristics
• Molecular tools for the evaluation and improvement of wine fermentations
• Viticultural practices: ensuring best practice in relation to use of agrochemicals, and determination of the effect of selected viticultural practices on grape and wine composition
• Wine and oxygen: towards an optimised management of wine manufacturing, maturation and storage
• Wine quality and consumer preference: development of tools to understand market preferences and shifts
• Wine technology and processes (incorporating ‘Rapid instrumental techniques’)

Progress reports on these projects can be found from the AWRI’s current Annual Report.

For more information on the AWRI’s research projects, please contact the