The NOLO project for South Australian winemakers

The South Australian Government has invested $1.98 million into a no- and low-alcohol (NOLO) trial-scale facility at the University of Adelaide. The centrepiece of the facility will be a machine allowing South Australian winemakers to trial NOLO wine using as little as 150 L of wine. Traditional commercial-scale equipment, used to develop new wine products, requires 10,000 L.

The facility will provide a low-risk environment for South Australian wine businesses, enabling them to access equipment and expertise to develop NOLO wine products at a subsidised cost.

“The NOLO industry is extremely strong in Australia and growing year by year. By accessing the trial-scale facility, they have much lower risk to diversify and experiment to create world-class NOLO products. In time, this could lead to a skilled, specialist workforce and allow the industry to capitalise on significant market opportunities available,” said Clare Scriven MLC.

Canning and bottling facilities are also available, so successful trial products can be packaged and used for samples.

The global NOLO market was valued at $1.58 billion in 2020 and is growing rapidly. This presents an opportunity for the South Australian wine industry, which is working to overcome the threat of oversupply and the loss of the China market.

Australian wine has 5% of the global NOLO market share, but only 3% of the value. It is important for Australian winemakers to enhance global standing through improvements in sensory perceptions of flavour, texture and aroma in NOLO wines. Wine businesses are looking to diversify their product offering into new and existing markets to build resilience.

The NOLO project is a partnership between the Department of Primary Industries and Regions, the University of Adelaide and the Australian Wine Research Institute. The facility is open to wine businesses now.

“About 70% of Australian wine research happens at the University of Adelaide’s Waite campus,” said Anton Middelberg, Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President (Research), the University of Adelaide.

Iain Jones, Head of R&D, Quality and Compliance, Treasury Wine Estates, said, “This new facility will fast-track the development of new products, grow the choice and quality of NOLO wines for consumers and uphold the quality reputation of Australian wine in the global marketplace.”

Image credit: iStock.com/No-Mad