Q & A page
The AWRI belongs to the Australian grape and wine industry. We work closely with industry, to ensure you have access to cutting-edge technology and the latest information. We do this through world-class research, delivery of practical solutions and transfer of knowledge.
We invite every individual and business to unite with us, to engage in important conversations and contribute to the research that is moving our sector forward and keeping us as one of the most innovative winemaking countries in the world.
I'm a winemaker. How can the AWRI helpdesk help me? anchor link
I'm a winemaker. How can the AWRI helpdesk help me?
Experience where it counts
The winemakers on our helpdesk team have a collective 85 years of experience both making wine and solving problems for industry. They work with producers from across Australia’s wine regions, so when you encounter a winemaking problem, there is a good chance they have seen it before and know how to help.
Getting you back on the right track
Extensive experience means that many helpdesk queries are solved over the phone or via email, getting you back to doing what you do best, fast.
Solutions-based approach
Some winemaking issues require a deeper investigation. Our helpdesk winemakers can conduct a root cause analysis as part of AWRI’s free service to levy payers. These can be conducted at any point from harvest through to a packaged wine.
I'm a grapegrower. Is the AWRI there to support me too? anchor link
I'm a grapegrower. Is the AWRI there to support me too?
Support in a rapidly changing landscape
Growers face an ever-changing list of demands from stakeholders further along the value chain. Whether it’s sustainability, agrochemical or productivity requirements, our viticulturists are here to help you.
Responding to regional issues
A great vintage in one region does not mean it’s great everywhere. When regional issues arise, we help growers and winemakers through timely communications and proactive regional assistance
Efficiencies and evolving practices
Refining processes can help you maximise resources and improve efficiency in your vineyard. We are committed to understanding new and evolving techniques to benefit growers across all aspects of their business.
Why does AWRI deliver education programs rather than just focusing on research? anchor link
Why does AWRI deliver education programs rather than just focusing on research?
Our commitment to industry excellence
Australia enjoys an enviable reputation as one of the world’s most technically advanced wine producers. AWRI’s research only has impact and meaning if it is adopted by industry. That is why we are committed to driving innovation and practice change through our education programs.
Practical outcomes you can implement
Understanding research outcomes and applying them in a winery, vineyard or other area of the business can be a challenge. Our webinars, seminars and workshops deliver outcomes in a practical way and also provide information on other AWRI assets you can access to help you do this successfully.
Setting the international benchmark
AWRI’s Advanced Wine Assessment Course develops participants’ sensory analysis capabilities to an elite level. Whether you’re a winemaker, cellar door host, journalist or aspiring wine judge, a high standard of sensory skills adds to Australia’s reputation as a premium wine producer.
Keeping up-to-date with the latest advances
Adopting new and emerging technology and techniques can be challenging for the many small and medium producers in our industry. The Advanced Viticulture and Advanced Wine Technology Courses delivered by AWRI help grape and wine producers see real-life applications and build a vision for adoption within their own businesses.
I'm not an academic. Why do I need a library and publications? anchor link
I'm not an academic. Why do I need a library and publications?
It’s a team effort
Although you may not be into reading journals or research papers, our helpdesk and research teams often do. Our librarians use their prolific network to source the latest information to support our research and education efforts , which in turn leads to better information and outcomes for you.
Practical information right when you need it
Growers and winemakers face an array of variables as they grow grapes and produce wine. Our eBulletins offer practical information right when you need it.
Getting the facts straight
The AWRI website is a treasure trove of information including fact sheets, manuals and online tools. You can often access these resources through a Google search (thanks to great indexing) or our librarians and helpdesk team are on hand to assist.
Let’s get technical
For those that do like to get right down into the nitty gritty, we publish Technical Review to help you connect with articles on oenology, sustainability, viticulture and wine business. Our librarians also collate information packs of references focused on a single topic and provide free copies of non-open access articles to levy payers.
What is the 'dog book'? anchor link
What is the 'dog book'?
Your best friend
If you grow grapes, make wine or export, you need the dog book. Updated and published annually, it contains all the latest agrochemical information, including critical instructions for those growing grapes for export wine. And how does it relate to dogs? Read more to find out!
Show us your dog book!
We know some of you have multiple well-loved editions laying around your ute, tractor and office. DM a pic via Instagram, @theawri or email enquiries@awri.com.au
How do I benefit from research done at AWRI? anchor link
How do I benefit from research done at AWRI?
Improved cellar practices
Work on the spoilage yeast Brettanomyces by the AWRI helpdesk team in the early 2000s led to the dissemination of practical advice on ways to reduce Brett infections in the winery that was broadly adopted by wineries and dramatically reduced the incidence of Brett problems. Our researchers then sequenced the Brett genome and discovered which strains were distributed across Australian wineries and which were most resistant to control using SO2.
Disaster mitigation
For growers and winemakers, our research on smoke taint is supporting decision-making from harvest through to packaging, avoiding brand damage and limiting financial loss.
Refined winemaking practices
New and innovative wine yeast strains add value to wines by producing more aroma and flavour or avoiding negative attributes.
Packaging advancements
Closure trials have helped wineries avoid faults caused by bottle closures and present wine to consumers in optimal condition. If your wine comes with a screwcap closure or you rarely experience a cork tainted wine, you’re benefiting from AWRI research already.
