The 17th Australian Wine Industry Technical Conference and Trade Exhibition was conducted from 21-24 July 2019 at the Adelaide Convention Centre.
On the final day of the event, AWITC Chair Dr Dan Johnson said, “This year’s event has exceeded expectations across all fronts. The quality and relevance of presentations has been exceptional, and the vibe among attendees has been overwhelmingly positive.”

View details of the plenary program here and the workshop program here.

Key event numbers

  • more than 3,000 attendees across AWITC and WineTech
  • 11 formal sessions, including Outlook and ‘Fresh Science’ sessions, over 3 days
  • 9 international speakers and 41 local speakers
  • Kaurna welcome to country conducted by Michael O’Brien (Kumatpi)
  • welcome and formal opening by the Hon. Tim Whetstone, Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development
  • 33 workshops, with 957 participants
  • 165 posters
  • student forum
  • 182 exhibitors at WineTech trade exhibition, managed by Fair Events
  • partnered with the McWilliam’s Maurice O’Shea Award Dinner

Planning Committee

Dr Dan Johnson, The Australian Wine Research Institute (Chair)
Jason Amos, Lallemand Australia
Kristy Bartrop, Casella Family Brands
Tony Battaglene, Australian Grape & Wine Incorporated
Kate Beames, Australian Wine Industry Technical Conference
Colin Bell, AHA Viticulture
Wendy Cameron MW, The University of Melbourne
Chris Day, The Australian Wine Research Institute
Gary Fitz-Roy, Fair Events
Dr Paul Grbin, The University of Adelaide
Michael Hayes, Sirromet Wines
Dr Markus Herderich, The Australian Wine Research Institute
Ashley Keegan, Food and Beverage Australia Limited
Dr Fiona Kerslake, Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture
Dr Mark Krstic, The Australian Wine Research Institute
Dr Mardi Longbottom, The Australian Wine Research Institute
Matthew Moate, Wine Industry Suppliers Australia
Assoc. Prof. Paul Petrie, South Australian Research and Development Institute
Liz Riley, Vitibit Pty Ltd
Ella Robinson, The Australian Wine Research Institute
Dr Tony Robinson, Oakover Wines
Con Simos, The Australian Wine Research Institute
Andrew Weeks, Rivawine Collaboration Pty Ltd (until 5 March 2018)