Research

Why centre research on wine?

Wine drinking is not just an ordinary activity of daily life, but an extraordinary one. As opposed to food, for which we have a fundamental biological drive, wine is a matter of choice, of taste, and often denotes a cultured, not just cultural, identity.

As such its history is studied as a trade commodity and a value-laden drink. Yet trade and consumption are dependent on production, which is under-researched historically and sociologically.

The Wine Studies Research Network was founded at the University of Newcastle in 2013. Humanities and social science researchers sought connections with international disciplinary colleagues for focused discussion and review to inform problem-solving in collaboration with wine producers.

The Network has hosted several events including international meetings of scholars and industry representatives.

The international research agenda fostered by the Network has since widened to include socially sustainable wine consumption, such as the industry and consumer benefits of low- and zero-alcohol wines.

Research-led teaching

In 2021 the Network director co-convened VEN 198 Wine & Society, a graduate studies course in the Department of Viticulture and Enology at the University of California (Davis).

Coursework resulting from Network research is being developed at the University of Newcastle.

Projects

Vines, Wine and Identity

Vines, Wine and Identity

Supported by the ARC Linkage Project scheme, this project focuses on Australia's oldest wine region, the Hunter Valley NSW, to understand how a product that 50 years ago was considered 'unAustralian' has become a lifeblood of some regions and a new national drink.