Chris Beard

Chris Beard is Program Manager - Regional Innovation at Wine Australia, where he works with growers, winemakers, researchers and regional communities to help connect new ideas, research and technology with practical outcomes on the ground. His role focuses on supporting regional engagement and helping ensure the industry's investment in research delivers value for grapegrowers and wine businesses. Drawing on his own experience in production, Chris brings a practical understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing Australian wine businesses; he is therefore passionate about making innovation useful, relevant and accessible to those working in the sector every day.

Chris has more than 20 years of experience across viticulture, wine production and education. Before joining Wine Australia, he worked in vineyard management and viticulture roles with TarraWarra Estate, Seville Estate and Mount Mary Vineyard, leading projects in sustainability, vineyard efficiency and technology adoption. He also served on Wine Yarra Valley’s Technical Committee for 5 years (1 as chair), working alongside growers and producers to encourage knowledge sharing and collaboration across the region. Chris holds a Master of Wine Technology and Viticulture from the University of Melbourne, along with BA qualifications in Education and Outdoor recreation from Monash University.

Originally trained in Education, Chris has always enjoyed helping people learn and solve problems. That background continues to shape his approach, whether facilitating industry events, working with regional groups or translating technical information into practical actions that growers and producers can use in their businesses. He enjoys bringing people together, finding common ground and supporting the adoption of ideas that can make a genuine difference in the vineyard and winery.