We would like to congratulate the Bragato Research Institute (BRI) team on the establishment of the BRI Research Winery, located on the MRC Budge Street campus.

At the opening, the Mayor, John Leggett, noted that this is a Marlborough-based facility but of course the research will have a national focus; its reach will be global, providing world-leading research for commercial grape and wine production and positioning our hugely successful wine industry for future growth.

The new world-class facility will enable industry to trial new technology and innovation, ensuring the New Zealand wine industry is at the cutting edge of modern grape growing and wine making.

The Research Winery will trial winemaking equipment, technologies, processes and sustainable winery operations. It will also provide commercial research winemaking services to suppliers and industry.

Tracy Atkin, Establishment Manager, BRI, says we are not just opening a building but an opportunity – an opportunity to lead the world in winemaking innovation, and bring the world to Marlborough.

The Research Winery has a strong sustainability aspect. Asked what she is most proud of Tracy says:

• Building this winery to Greenstar sustainability standards with the NZGBC. Once certified we will be the first five star rated building in Marlborough, and in some areas we have built this winery to an even higher standard

• Harvesting rainwater from the roof, filtering it and UV treating it for use in the winery

• Our solar installation, which we hope is only the beginning of things to come

• Our Building Management System (BMS) that will track water and energy use, and allow us to develop a CI programme

• Our sustainability plan that will help us measure and manage our environmental footprint

• This includes the 3 Rs of Reduce, Re-use, Recycle, of which the upcycled totara conference room tables are an example

• And social sustainability. The integration with learning and education, such as working with NMIT and universities to provide opportunities for students

For more information about the Bragato Research Institute, click here.