Viticulture trials

Today’s trials, tomorrow’s decisions.

Turn your vineyard innovation into credible evidence with independent, scientifically rigorous trials designed around your product, research questions and commercial objectives.

Independent evidence for better vineyard solutions

Bragato Research Institute conducts independent in-field viticulture trials in Marlborough to help product providers, biostimulant and biological companies, and agrichemical companies understand how their products perform under commercial vineyard conditions.

Each trial is customised to answer a specific research question and is delivered by an experienced technical team, supported by BRI’s wider scientific capability. More than 40 viticulture trials have been completed over the past five years.

Whether you are developing a new product, refining application recommendations, comparing treatments or preparing evidence for Spray Schedule Inclusion, BRI can design a trial that produces relevant, objective and statistically analysed results. For trials beginning with the main growing season in October, clients should contact the Commercial team at least one month beforehand.

Viticulture studies can also be connected with BRI’s Research Winery to assess wine chemistry, sensory, genetic and molecular services within one project. This makes it possible to follow a treatment from vineyard application through to pesticide residues, wine composition and finished wine outcomes.

Three ways to work with BRI

Build the evidence behind your Spray Schedule Inclusion application

BRI helps product providers generate the vineyard trial data needed for Spray Schedule consideration. We design and manage trials covering efficacy, phytotoxicity, vineyard assessments, multi-site replication and residue testing, delivering robust data and reporting to support product evaluation.

BRI does not assess or guarantee Spray Schedule inclusion. Residue testing is undertaken by an external laboratory, and all projects are managed confidentially.

Put natural vineyard solutions to the test

Test your biostimulant, biological or natural solution under Marlborough vineyard conditions. BRI can measure product outcomes across vine physiology, growth, stress, yield, fruit maturity and wine, depending on the question you need answered. The work focuses on measurable performance rather than trying to prove a proposed mode of action, helping you refine application recommendations and build credible technical or regulatory evidence.

Bring us the question

Not every product or research question fits a standard trial. BRI can develop a small pilot, a full-season study or a multi-year programme around a new input, application strategy, comparison or unexpected vineyard result. We select the site, measurements and wider BRI services to suit the project, giving you one flexible route from an early idea to scientifically analysed results.

Plan your next viticulture trial

The Commercial team will gather the key information, discuss the protocol and provide a customised quote before a work order is signed and the trial begins. You can also contact commercial@bri.co.nz directly.

Make an enquiry through this form for a quote.

Enquiry form

Book a free consultation to discuss your idea or find out more

Book a consultation

Why work with us?

·         Independent, objective trials delivered under commercial Marlborough vineyard conditions

·         Customised, scientifically robust trial design aligned with your research, technical and regulatory objectives

·         Experienced vineyard and technical personnel, backed by BRI’s wider scientific capability and New Zealand wine sector expertise

·         Relevant measurements selected around your product and the evidence you need

·         Clear, usable outputs, including analysed results, formal reporting and supporting data

·         One coordinated pathway from vine to wine, linking vineyard trials with winemaking, chemistry, sensory, molecular and residue analysis

·         Confidential project management, with scope, deliverables and pricing agreed upfront

Frequently asked questions

  • What do you trial?

    The programme is selected around the product and research question rather than forced into a standard package.

    Trials can evaluate:

    • Biostimulants

    • Biological products

    • Natural and lower-impact vineyard inputs

    • Crop protection products

    • Nutrition and vine health products

    • New or alternative application programmes

    • Products being considered for Spray Schedule Inclusion

    • Potential residual compounds in grapes or wine

    • Treatment effects on vineyard and wine outcomes

  • What types of data collection or assessments do you do?

    Depending on your objectives, assessments may include:

    • Product efficacy

    • Phytotoxicity

    • Grapevine physiological responses

    • Vine health and development

    • Yield and yield components

    • Fruit composition and maturity

    • Disease incidence or severity

    • Treatment comparisons

    • Residue-related measurements

    • Wine composition and sensory outcomes

  • Do I have to arrange my own vineyard site?

    Vineyard sites are arranged through external providers, with Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay commonly available and other varieties sourced on request.

  • How long do trials usually run for?

    Trials usually run for one growing season and can be repeated across multiple years when longer-term evidence is needed. Small pilot studies are also available for early-stage products or ideas.

  • Do I have to supply the trial design?

    No two products or research questions are exactly the same. You can supply your own protocol, or BRI can work with you to define the protocol, select practical and meaningful measurements, and generate data aligned with your technical, regulatory and commercial objectives. If a study needs a specialist analysis that is not available in-house, such as pesticide residue testing, BRI coordinates the work with an external laboratory.

  • How does the booking process work?

    The process starts with a free initial meeting and information gathering. BRI then works with the client to define the protocol, prepares a customised quote for discussion, and issues a work order. Once the work order is signed, the trial can be scheduled and launched. For an October start, contact the Commercial team at commercial@bri.co.nz at least one month in advance.

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