Taxpayers have had an apparently "savvy" decision made on their behalf – they're kicking in $12 million to fund research on sauvignon blanc during the next six years. The Foundation for Research Science and Technology grant will extend a research project on sauvignon blanc that began six years ago with $9.6m from the Government and $7m from the wine industry. Details of the new programme are expected to be announced at the industry's three-day national Romeo Bragato Conference, to be held in Blenheim from August 26.