“It’s difficult to overstate what this honour means to us.”
Munda Wines has just marked a major milestone, taking out the inaugural First Nations Exporter Award at the 2025 Australian Export Awards in Canberra last month. It’s a significant moment for the South Australian label, and for the growing wave of Indigenous-led businesses making an impact globally.
Now in its 63rd year, the Australian Export Awards is Australia’s longest-running business awards, a program that highlights the work of exporters and their efforts to strengthen Australia’s economy. This year saw 14 categories, more than 370 applications submitted across Australia, and 95 national finalists chosen, ranging from art centres to luxury fashion labels, bush-food makers and rail-signal innovators.
And it was SA’s Munda Wines that not only took top gong, but marked the first time in 63 years that Indigenous exporters have been formally recognised at a national level.
In a statement after the ceremony, Munda called the win “a moment of immense pride — and profound responsibility”, pointing to the cultural custodians behind each wine, the partners who have backed the label, and the First Nations businesses rising alongside them.
“To stand alongside outstanding First Nations businesses from across the country – innovators, makers, storytellers – was a privilege in itself,” they shared. To be recognised among them is something we will carry with enormous gratitude and respect.”
Founded by proud Wirangu and Kokatha man Pauly Vandenbergh – former athlete and founder of the Aboriginal non-profit education organisation Tjindu Foundation – Munda is a premium label born directly from his pride in Country. Its wines are named for the Traditional lands they come from – a Kaurna Country Syrah from McLaren Vale, a Grenache grown on Ngadjuri and Peramangk Country, a Cabernet from Padthaway on the Limestone Coast – and that sense of place is what’s capturing the attention of international buyers.
“Australia’s global reputation for quality and innovation amplifies our story, but it’s our deep connection to Country that gives our wines their heart, identity, and sense of place,” Vandenbergh said at the ceremony.
“These aren’t trends,’ but rather truths carried by the Munda (the Wirangu and Kokatha word for land) itself.”
The label has already secured distribution in Malaysia and Canada, traditionally one of the toughest markets for Australian producers. The US is next. But Vandenbergh says the interest goes beyond the wine itself.
“International markets are eager to engage with the oldest continuing culture on the face of the planet,” he said. “It is an incredible point of difference for Aboriginal-led businesses and resonates powerfully with our commercial partners.”
The award is an extension of Munda’s mission – to bring Indigenous pride to the global stage.
“This award celebrates more than export success. For us, it speaks to the power of connection: to Country, to culture, to our partners around Australia, and to the communities we are reaching internationally through wine,” they said.
What’s equally impressive is its rapid rise. Munda launched in 2022 as a collaboration with Cirillo Estate and Chalk Hill Wines, and at the time, Vandenbergh was still known primarily for his work in the AFL supporting Indigenous and multicultural athletes. But the philosophy behind the label was already firmly in place.
“From a young age we are taught to look after Munda (Country) first, then plants (punu) and animals (kuka),” he said at the time. “These are the principles behind Munda Wines.”
The early releases sold out quickly and hinted at where the brand was headed. It inherently challenged how Australia talks about “New World” wine through the lens of 60,000 years of cultural knowledge.
The next chapter is already underway for Munda. More markets, more collaborations, and more wines shaped by Country.
For anyone who’s ever shied away from creative expressions of identity in fear of colouring outside the box or perceived judgment, Munda’s win is a powerful reminder that there’s strength in telling your story exactly as it is.
“Winning this award is not simply receiving a statuette – it is stepping into a role,” they said. “As ambassadors for this category, we feel a genuine obligation to help elevate and support the next wave of First Nations exporters, and to demonstrate what’s possible when culture, creativity and commercial rigour come together with integrity.”
“We want this award to open doors for others, not just celebrate our own journey.”
More info and the full winners list, click here.
To shop Munda Wines, click here.
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