Leading scholars and wine industry professionals from around the world are in South Australia for the 16th International Conference of the Academy of Wine Business Research.
The conference is being held by Adelaide University’s College of Business and Law at the National Wine Centre from 3 to 6 February.
Bringing together global expertise in wine business, marketing, economics and policy, the prestigious conference provides a platform for sharing research, exchanging ideas and collaborating on solutions to the most pressing challenges facing the international wine sector.
Under the theme Shaping the Future of Global Wine Business: Innovation, Resilience and Strategic Evolution, the conference explores issues including sustainability, branding and communication, changing consumer preferences such as the rise of low- and no-alcohol wines, climate change impacts, wine tourism and evolving regulatory environments.
Associate Professor Rebecca Dolan, Dean of International and Engagement College of Business and Law at Adelaide University, said hosting the conference reflects the University’s longstanding leadership in wine education and research.
“Adelaide University brings together a deep legacy of excellence in wine business research, teaching and industry engagement from both the University of Adelaide and the University of South Australia,” Associate Professor Dolan said.
“We are proud to welcome the global wine business research community to the National Wine Centre and to South Australia, a state internationally recognised for its wine innovation, quality and leadership.”
Founded in 2003 by the University of South Australia, the Academy of Wine Business Research Conference has grown into the world’s leading academic forums dedicated to advancing wine business knowledge and practice.
Around 50 delegates are attending in 2026, representing countries including Canada, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, New Zealand, Sweden, Japan, South Africa, Switzerland, United Kingdom, USA and Australia.
Adjunct Associate Professor Armando Corsi, from Adelaide University’s College of Business and Law and President of the Academy, said the event highlights emerging research with direct relevance to industry.
“The conference provides an important opportunity to share insights into areas such as packaging innovation, consumer behaviour and the marketing of low- and no-alcohol wines,” Associate Professor Corsi said.
“Just as importantly, the conference creates a valuable platform for sharing research insights and innovations with those from industry in order to support the development and competitiveness of the wine sector, both domestically and internationally.”
Associate Professor Steve Goodman, from Adelaide University’s College of Business and Law, said it is wonderful to see the conference continue to grow and continue its legacy from the small first conference hosted at UniSA more than 20 years ago.
“Hosting the Academy of Wine Business Research 2026 further strengthens Adelaide University’s reputation as a global leader in wine and wine business education and research, and reinforces Adelaide’s position as a centre for world-class wine scholarship and industry collaboration,” Associate Professor Goodman said.
Dr David Jaud, Program Director of Adelaide University’s Master of Wine and Food Business degree said, “It is an opportunity to showcase South Australia’s world leading wine sector to an international audience while fostering discussion that will shape the future of wine business globally.”
In addition to the academic program, delegates are experiencing South Australia’s renowned wine culture through a series of curated events and excursions, including a dinner at Penfolds Magill Estate and winery visits to the Barossa Valley and Adelaide Hills.
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