The Australian Wine Research Institute was incorporated under the South Australian Companies Act on 27 April 1955.  It is a company limited by guarantee, does not have share capital and it has been permitted, under licence, to omit the word 'limited' from its registered name.  

The Memorandum of Association of The Australian Wine Research Institute sets out in broad terms the aims of the Institute and the Report of the Committee of Review for The Australian Wine Research Institute published in March 1977 identified the following specific aims:
 
 1. To carry out applied research in the field of oenology.
 2. To service the extension needs of the winemakers of Australia.
 3. To be involved in teaching of oenology at both undergraduate and
     postgraduate levels.
 4. To assume responsibility for the co-ordination of oenological   
     activities, and the collection, collation and viticultural
     research to the benefit of the Australian wine industry.
 
The Wine Research Act provides for funding of capital expenditure as approved by the Minister from time to time.  In addition amounts of money no greater than the money accruing to the Research Fund from the investment moneys standing to the credit of the Fund are to be paid to the Institute for expenditure which the Minister is satisfied is necessary for the purposes proposed and on the condition that the moneys are so used.
 

References
 
1. Memorandum and Articles of Association of the Australian Wine
    Research Institute
2. Wine Research Act No 11 of 1955 (Cwth)
3. The Australian Wine Research Institute 1993 Annual Report
Historical agency address
by1958-by1959: 12-14 Pirie Street Adelaide, SA
by1959-by1961: 230 East Terrace Adelaide, SA
by1961-  1962: 12-14 Pirie Street Adelaide, SA
  1962-  1972: 230 East Terrace Adelaide, SA
  1972-      : Waite Road, Urrbrae, SA