Australian Society of Viticulture and Oenology

What Australian Society of Viticulture and Oenology does

The Australian Society of Viticulture and Oenology (ASVO) is the peak professional body for winemakers and grape-growers in Australia, operating as a non-profit membership society founded in 1980 and headquartered in Adelaide. It serves individual wine industry professionals — primarily winemakers, viticulturists, wine researchers, wine show judges, and early-career practitioners — through a portfolio of educational, recognition, and community services. Core offerings include subscription access to the Australian Journal of Grape and Wine Research (published by Wiley), maintenance of the Wine Show Judge Register and Wine Judges Directory (300+ registered judges across 42 pages), the annual ASVO Awards for Excellence (Viticulturist of the Year, Winemaker of the Year, Wine Science and Technology Award, Best Papers), the Rootlings early-career network, the WSET Level 2 Award in Wines online course partnership, a $15,000 annual scholarship program, and a podcast series funded by Wine Australia.

ASVO's business model is membership-anchored and diversified across four revenue streams: annual membership subscriptions (full membership AU$295), WSET course delivery ($850 members / $950 non-members), event tickets and corporate sponsorships (Awards for Excellence dinner at AU$150-$395 per person, AU$1,500 per table of eight), and merchandise sales (Le Nez du Vin Aroma Kits, workwear, training aides). Distribution is domestic (Australia) via the asvo.com.au website portal and in-person events at the National Wine Centre in Adelaide, with WSET courses delivered globally through WSET's online classroom. The society is funded in part by Wine Australia, a government-backed industry body providing sponsorship, podcast funding, and matched scholarship dollars, but ASVO has no parent company, no venture backing, and is governed by an elected Board of Directors.

The underlying technology is content- and community-oriented rather than platform-software oriented: a peer-reviewed scientific journal hosted on Wiley Online Library, a searchable member directory and judges database, a website-based membership portal, and podcast distribution via Podbean and Apple Podcasts. ASVO operates with a small staff (1-10 employees) supported by volunteer advisory committees, with no disclosed revenue, no patents, no proprietary AI capabilities, and no subsidiaries.

Name

Australian Society of Viticulture and Oenology

Legal name

Australian Society of Viticulture and Oenology

Website

https://asvo.com.au

Company type

Private

Founded year

2001

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

The Australian Society of Viticulture and Oenology (ASVO) is a nonprofit professional society serving Australia's winemakers and grape-growers with membership services, the Australian Journal of Grape and Wine Research, WSET wine courses, industry awards, scholarships, and the Wine Show Judge Register.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Professional Industry Association Services

SIC

Services-Membership Organizations (8600)

akta.pro primary industry

Wine & Sparkling Wine Wineries & Brands (CRADAIAB)

akta.pro secondary industries

Wine Grape Vineyard Operations (Varietal/AVA Practices, Yield & Quality Targets) (AFAGAJAJ), Alcohol Subscription Clubs & Membership Retail (CRANAAAI)

Keywords

• Professional society membership
• Wine industry education
• Viticulture research
• Oenology training
• Industry awards program

Headquarters

HQ city

Adelaide

HQ country

Australia

HQ region

Oceania

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Membership subscriptions: Annual membership fees provide core revenue. Full membership is AU$295, providing access to journal subscriptions, member resources, event discounts, and professional development opportunities.
2. WSET course fees: Partnership with WSET to deliver Level 2 Award in Wines courses. ASVO members pay $850, non-members pay $950 per course. Additional revenue from course delivery and partnership arrangements.
3. Event tickets and sponsorships: Revenue from ASVO Awards for Excellence dinner tickets (ranging from $150-$395 per person, tables at $1500), plus sponsorship from Wine Australia and other partners.
4. Merchandise and publications: Sale of merchandise including Le Nez du Vin Aroma Kits, ASVO Workwear, MOG Posters, training aides, and proceedings/educational resources. Partner offers provide additional affiliate revenue.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

ASVO is a non-profit professional membership society providing Australian winemakers and grape-growers with annual membership subscriptions, peer-reviewed research access via the Australian Journal of Grape and Wine Research (Wiley), internationally recognized wine education (WSET Level 2 Award in Wines), industry awards (Viticulturist/Winemaker of the Year and others), scholarship programs totaling $15,000 annually, wine show judge registration services, and events including the annual Awards for Excellence dinner at the National Wine Centre in Adelaide.

Product overview

The Australian Society of Viticulture and Oenology (ASVO) operates as a professional membership organization offering a portfolio of products and services for winemakers and grape-growers in Australia. The core offerings include wine industry awards (ASVO Awards for Excellence), professional education programs (WSET wine courses), scientific publishing (Australian Journal of Grape and Wine Research), and professional development resources (scholarships, proceedings, podcasts). ASVO also maintains infrastructure supporting the wine show system including the Wine Show Judge Register and Wine Judges Directory. The organization does not offer a single unified software platform but rather functions as a professional society providing educational content, industry recognition programs, and member resources.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Rootlings: Network for individuals 35 and under in the Australian wine industry, with state chapters
• ASVO Awards for Excellence
• Grower Maker Researcher Wine Industry Insights Podcast

Products and services

• ASVO Full Membership Annual professional membership subscription at AU$295 including GST, providing members with a subscription to the Australian Journal of Grape and Wine Research, free online access to all journal articles, exemption from journal publishing fees, reduced event registration, access to ASVO scholarships (totalling AU$15,000), proceedings library access, partner discounts (10-20%), free winejobs.com.au advertising, and Science & Technology Australia member benefits.
• WSET Level 2 Award in Wines Course Internationally recognized wine qualification delivered online in partnership with WSET (Wine & Spirit Education Trust). The 5-week course covers major grape varieties, wine regions, factors affecting wine style, quality and price, wine production basics, labelling terminology, and wine tasting assessment. Includes 24-28 hours of study time, an interactive online classroom, printed study pack, remotely invigilated examination, live induction session and 2 live tasting tutorials via Zoom. ASVO members pay AU$850; non-members pay AU$950, with first-course introductory pricing saving up to AU$250.
• ASVO Awards for Excellence Dinner Annual industry awards dinner held at the National Wine Centre, Adelaide, recognising achievements in the Australian wine industry. Tickets include a three-course progressive dinner and premium beverages. Pricing is tiered: Student/Rootling/Retired member AU$150; partner AU$150; Members AU$195; Non-Members AU$250; Member + Partner AU$295; Non-Member + Partner AU$395; Table of 8 at AU$1,500. Recognises categories including Viticulturist of the Year, Winemaker of the Year, Wine Science and Technology Award, Best Viticultural/Oenology Paper of the Year, Dr Peter May Award, and Emerging Talent Award.
• Australian Journal of Grape and Wine Research Peer-reviewed scientific journal published in partnership with Wiley covering grape and wine research excellence in Australia. ASVO members receive free online access to all journal articles and exemption from article publishing fees. The journal supports the ASVO Best Viticultural Paper of the Year and Best Oenology Paper of the Year awards, and the Dr Peter May Award (for the most cited AJGWR paper published in the previous five years).
• Wine Show Judge Register Database capturing and recording judging information for wine show judges and associate judges across Australia. Contains training records, judging experience, and credentials. Available free for use by all Australian national and regional wine shows when sourcing and selecting suitable judges and associates.
• Wine Judges Directory Fully searchable directory of 300+ industry professionals registered as wine show judges, including aspiring judges. Spans 42 pages and covers regional, national, and international wine shows including the Royal Adelaide Wine Show, Sydney Royal Wine Show, and Decanter World Wine Awards. Includes judging history, qualifications, and contact information.
• ASVO Scholarship Program Scholarship program providing funding for ASVO members' career development, training courses, educational opportunities, and professional development projects. Comprises three scholarship types totalling AU$15,000 annually: ASVO NextGen Scholarship (five scholarships up to AU$1,000 each), ASVO Growth Scholarship (two scholarships up to AU$2,500 each), and ASVO Dr Patrick Iland Scholarship (one scholarship up to AU$5,000).
• Len Evans Scholarship Twelve fully paid scholarships annually to the Len Evans Tutorial, including wine, food and accommodation, valued at approximately AU$9,000. Open to all Australian wine industry personnel. The Tutorial is presented by the Len Evans Tutorial Fund with ASVO administration.
• ASVO Online Merchandise Shop Online shop selling industry merchandise and training aides including Le Nez du Vin Aroma Kits, ASVO Workwear, MOG Posters, and other training materials. Provides additional revenue stream and affiliate commissions through partner offers.
• Fellow of the Society Highest honour bestowed by ASVO on members who have demonstrated excellence and contribution to the wine industry and/or the society. Selected by the ASVO Fellow Selection Committee with nominations closing 31 July annually. Recognises long-standing contribution and provides industry-leading credentialing.

Quantifiable outcome

• Scholarship funding: $15,000 total annually across NextGen ($1,000 x5), Growth ($2,500 x2), and Dr Patrick Iland ($5,000 x1) scholarships
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

14 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• WSET (Wine & Spirit Education Trust)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 11 April 2025ASVO partners with WSET to offer Level 2 Award in Wines courses to Australian wine industry professionals. WSET is the global leader in drinks education. ASVO provides bespoke access to online courses with extra tasting tutorials and cohort support. ASVO members receive special introductory pricing.
• Wine AustraliacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMajor partner and sponsor of the ASVO Awards for Excellence. Wine Australia provides funding through levies from Australia's grapegrowers and winemakers with matching funds from the Australian Government. ASVO podcasts are funded by Wine Australia through the Extension and Adoption program.
• University of Adelaide, Waite Research InstituteminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration on ASVO podcasts covering smoke taint mitigation, vineyard management after fire, and other research topics. Professors and researchers from these institutions appear as podcast guests discussing best practices.
• Australian Grape & WineminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate partner logo displayed on ASVO website. Industry body representing Australian grape and wine producers.
• Wiley (publishing)coreTechnology or IntegrationWiley publishes the Australian Journal of Grape and Wine Research, Australia's leading journal for grape and wine research excellence. ASVO members receive free online access to all journal articles.
• Science & Technology Australia (STA)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerASVO is a member of STA, providing academic members access to better-than-market-price services, complimentary training sessions, and professional advice. Benefits include discounts from service partners offering accounting, auditing, corporate governance, and insurance.
• Winetitles MediaminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPartner offering ASVO members 20% discount on Wine & Viticulture Journal subscriptions, 20% discount on Wine Industry Directory, and 10% discount on Winetitles Media books. Winetitles also operates winejobs.com.au with free job advertising for members.
• Affinity LabsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate partner logo displayed on ASVO website.
• Braud AustraliaminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate partner logo displayed on ASVO website.
• EldersminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate partner logo displayed on ASVO website.
• LallemandminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate partner logo displayed on ASVO website.
• PellencminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate partner logo displayed on ASVO website.
• SyngentaminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate partner logo displayed on ASVO website.
• GGWMminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate partner logo displayed on ASVO website.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Australian Grape & Wine: Peak national industry body for Australian grape and wine producers, serving as the policy and advocacy counterpart to ASVO's professional/membership focus. Both organizations represent overlapping member constituencies (winemakers, grapegrowers) and coordinate on industry events like AWITC.
• Wine Australia: Australian Government statutory authority for the grape and wine sector, providing R&D, marketing, and regulation. Wine Australia is ASVO's largest funding partner, sponsoring awards and podcasts, and both organizations serve the same Australian wine industry professional community.
• Australian Wine Research Institute: Leading Australian grape and wine research organization supporting winemakers and viticulturists with technical services, research, and extension. AWRI serves a similar professional audience as ASVO with overlapping educational and scientific publications, and both are based in the Australian wine ecosystem.

Emerging players

• Institute of Masters of Wine: Global professional body conferring the Master of Wine (MW) qualification, with members spanning winemaking, viticulture, trade, and education. Overlaps with ASVO in serving senior wine industry professionals and researchers but operates at a more elite, international credentialing tier.
• Court of Master Sommeliers: Internationally recognized body certifying sommeliers through Master Sommelier Diploma, serving hospitality wine professionals with examinations and education. Partial overlap with ASVO's professional credentialing role but focused on service/sommelier career track rather than viticulture and oenology production roles.

Regional players

• American Wine Society: US consumer-and-professional wine education society offering membership, conferences, and certifications. Comparable in structure and mission to ASVO as a membership society delivering wine education and hosting an annual conference, though it serves a primarily North American audience.
• Society of Wine Educators: US-based non-profit membership organization for wine and spirits educators offering certification (Certified Wine Educator, Certified Specialist of Wine). It is the closest international analog to ASVO as a professional membership society providing wine credentials and education, but operates in North America rather than Australia.

Broad incumbents

• Wine & Spirit Education Trust: Global leader in drinks education offering qualifications from Level 1 through Level 4 Diploma. WSET is both ASVO's largest education partner (delivering Level 2 Award courses in Australia) and a much larger incumbent with global scale, multiple languages, and broader curriculum.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/asvo
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/asvo

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Australian Society of Viticulture and Oenology