Bragato Research Institute launches Grower Trials initiative to promote hands-on vineyard research

BRI has launched a new Grower Trials initiative that places growers and viticulturists at the centre of the research process, focusing on answering applied research problems.

The initiative supports grape growers and viticulturists in testing new ideas or addressing practical challenges on their own vineyards. BRI provides funding and support to ensure the trials will yield results that can be shared with the wider industry.

Grower Trials are developed collaboratively between growers and researchers to ensure that trial designs are both scientifically robust and operationally realistic. BRI and other industry partners will support participants throughout the project, for example, with planning, trial design, data collection, and communication.

The trials should produce results that can be shared with the wider winegrowing community either regionally or nationally. Each trial will contribute to BRI’s knowledge transfer programme, with findings shared through relevant field days, workshops, presentations and written updates. The emphasis is on results that are accessible, practical and directly relevant to growers and winemakers.

Grower Trials complement the longer-term applied and blue-sky research funded through BRI’s contestable funding round each year.

Several Grower Trials are already underway

In Hawke’s Bay, work is focused on Chardonnay, with one trial investigating the effect of harvest timing on wine quality in the context of increasing harvest‑period weather risk and shifting market preferences for fresher, brighter styles. By comparing early, mid and later harvests, the research aims to provide clearer guidance on balancing maturity targets, climate risk management and stylistic outcomes.

A second Hawke’s Bay trial is exploring the relationship between yield and wine quality in Chardonnay, challenging perceptions that higher yields are incompatible with super‑premium wine styles. Vineyard yield is being manipulated and fruit carried through vinification and sensory assessment to better understand how yield decisions influence both profitability and quality.

In Marlborough, a grower‑led trial is examining the influence of root carbohydrate reserves on Sauvignon Blanc productivity following the high‑crop 2025 vintage. The work combines traditional vine analysis with agritech tools to capture data at scale, helping to determine how crop load impacts vine performance in subsequent seasons and under low‑input or reduced‑production scenarios.

Central Otago growers and winemakers are engaged in a trial defining sub‑regional expression in Pinot Noir. Fruit from key sub‑regions is being made using a consistent winemaking protocol, allowing differences in fruit composition and wine style to be assessed through structured tastings. The project will provide insights to support blending decisions, fruit sourcing and regional storytelling.

BRI looks forward to sharing the results of these trials as they conclude later this year.

Get involved

Through this initiative, BRI aims to increase peer-to-peer learning and build a network of engaged viticulturists, growers, and partners.

Further Grower Trials will be established in the coming seasons that align with the Research Strategy outcomes. If you are interested in hosting or contributing to future trials, get in touch with info@bri.co.nz to discuss your idea.