Research


The Wine Research Center (WRC) is the focal point for grape and wine research and education at the University of British Columbia. The WRC’s core mission is to support the development of a sustainable and effective Canadian grape and wine industry through world-class research, excellence in wine education, practical solutions and knowledge mobilization.

A Dual-Campus Centre for Wine Research

As an interdisciplinary research, education and development center, we bring together researchers, faculty and staff across UBC and partner institutions working in the wine sector in Canada and beyond. The WRC conducts cutting-edge research in chemistry, viticulture, management and social sciences; provides academic and extended education and engages with industry and communities on the challenges of wine territory development. As a dual-campus organization, we draw on the interdisciplinary connections across UBC and provide a central point of collaboration for wine research and education.

Research Pillars


Grapes in the vineyard

Grapes, Vineyards, and Soils

Understanding the biological processes that regulate grape quality, identifying the best sites and soils, developing the best strategies to improve grape quality in vineyards are key strategies to sustain the production of premium wines.

Wine production

Wine and Fermentation

We are committed to helping winemakers making wines that express the unique characteristics of British Columbia and Canadian wine regions.

Grapes close-up

Winery Performance and Sustainability

Continuous improvement for a sustainable wine industry is a key objective for the sector, nationally and internationally.

Kelowna aerial

Wine Territory Competitiveness

We are working on various aspects impacting the competitiveness of a wine territory, including the exploration of a regional identity, optimizing wine region governance, wine territory development and public interests, and wine trade.


Research Facilities