Research, Winery and Vineyards

Our viticulture research on the Waite Campus explores the growth and management of grapevines and berries including their physiology, nutrition, water relations, stress tolerance and chemistry. These teaching vineyards also inform students on vine health and growth throughout the year. Our viticulturalists also assess new grape varieties for suitability for growing in the changing Australian climate.

Our wine science research spans the entire wine production chain from grapegrowing to sensory science. We combine world-leading expertise in wine chemistry, microbiology, biotechnology to understand the connections between novel vineyard technologies and wine sensory outcomes. Research spans Honours, Masters, PhD and Post-Doctoral projects across viticulture and oenology.

The diverse Waite Campus Winery was built by the University, with generous support from the Hickinbotham family, in the early 1990's. During vintage the winery processes up to 120 tonnes of fruit for teaching, research and contract winemaking. Up to 70% of Australia's wine research and development is conducted through small-scale, proof-of-concept winemaking trials in the winery.

With over 100 years of history, the Waite Campus has become home to one of the largest concentrations of agricultural and wine research and teaching expertise in the southern hemisphere. With wine science being a cornerstone of our history, and our alumni being some of the most heralded wine producers in the world, we are proud to continue the tradition of teaching in the idyllic setting.