Wine Australia and the Australian Wine Research Institute (AWRI) have entered into a new 4.5-year investment agreement from 1 July 2026 to 31 December 2030, to deliver research, development, extension and industry support services for Australia's grape and wine sector.
The agreement continues Wine Australia's long-standing investment at AWRI, directing industry R&D levies and matching Commonwealth funding to industry-identified priorities. It provides the AWRI with certainty and flexibility, allowing delivery of research and services for the benefit of levy payers.
Key industry priorities that will be addressed under the new agreement include:
- product innovation supporting wine quality and style
- wine process optimisation, technologies and strategies for managing taints, flavour faults and stability risks
- sustainability, circularity and strategies to address climate change including reducing inputs
- support for the Australian grape and wine sector market access strategy, and
- enabling practice change at scale, delivering the AWRI Helpdesk and information services, and supporting technical grape growing and winemaking capability.
Wine Australia CEO Dr Martin Cole said the agreement aligns levy investment to the sector's priorities and provides a solid foundation for the continued delivery of research, innovation and services by AWRI.
"This new agreement has been developed collaboratively, with Wine Australia and AWRI management working side-by-side. We are directing investment to the priorities industry set out in the One Grape & Wine Sector Plan to deliver practical outcomes for grape and wine businesses," Dr Cole said.
"Long-term capability is important and this agreement reflects our shared focus on maintaining essential services industry relies on day-to-day, investing in core grape and wine-focused research, and continuing to build the skills, knowledge and innovation needed to support greater impact for grape and wine businesses into the future."
Under the agreement – with investment of more than $28 million including industry R&D levies, matching Commonwealth Government contributions and co-investment – AWRI will remain Wine Australia's largest research partner. Further investment during the term may be supported through the Australian Wine Future Fund.
The agreement also supports continuity of critical sector-facing services that businesses rely on day-to-day, including technical information, regulatory support and market access resources. These services help growers and winemakers make timely decisions and will remain accessible regardless of fluctuations in annual R&D levy revenue, which is linked to crush size.
AWRI Managing Director Dr Mark Krstic said the agreement reflects AWRI's role in delivering research, technical support and practical tools to the sector.
"AWRI has supported Australian growers and winemakers for more than 70 years and this agreement means we can keep delivering research and services to industry," Dr Krstic said.
"The AWRI team appreciate the support that Wine Australia provides and are excited about their continued commitment to deliver high priority tangible innovation outcomes. We are focused on providing practical solutions and information that industry can use straight away, while also delivering innovation that supports the sector's longer-term resilience and sustainability."
