Bragato Research Institute (BRI) drives world-leading innovation for the New Zealand wine industry—from blue sky research through to the practical application of science in our vineyards, wineries and supply chain. Launched in 2017 through programme funding from the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, the institute is a wholly owned subsidiary of New Zealand Winegrowers.
The institute’s state-of-the-art research winery opened in February 2020 on the Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology campus in Blenheim.
Based at the Marlborough Research Centre, BRI partners with industry and other research organisations to set the national research agenda, trial world-first technologies, conduct commercial trials, and connect educators and students to science and industry. BRI was established with additional funding from the Marlborough District Council, recognising the local economic contribution of its global reach and national focus from the region.
Research excellence drives the institution’s work – whether it’s pioneering curiosity, solving real-world problems faced by the industry or seizing consumer opportunities in an increasingly competitive global market. The Research Advisory Committee, appointed by New Zealand Winegrowers and comprised of industry experts, assesses research proposals and guides research priorities.
A brief timeline:
- The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment announced its intention to establish regional research institutes as part of Budget 2015.
- New Zealand Winegrowers submitted a proposal to create a wine research centre based in Marlborough and was the first to receive approval for investment in October 2016, with (then) Science and Innovation Minister Steven Joyce announcing Government funding of $12.5 million over four years.
- The Marlborough District Council has also allocated funding in support of the new facility, with $75,000 set aside for establishment and a further $150,000 in funding each year from 2017 to 2022.
- New Zealand Winegrowers continues to ensure its levy-funded research programme provides and promotes a technological basis for the New Zealand grape and wine industry to remain internationally competitive.
Bragato Research Institute is the operating name of New Zealand Winegrowers Research Centre Ltd. To learn how you can partner with the institute, from commercial trials to sponsorships and endowments, visit bri.co.nz.