South Australia’s wine industry is facing a challenging road ahead, with global oversupply, falling grape prices and changing consumer demand prompting the State Government to bring growers and winemakers together to map out a stronger future.
Premier Peter Malinauskas is meeting with key figures from the state’s wine industry, including grape growers, producers and representatives from the South Australian Wine Industry Association (SAWIA) and Wine Grape Council of South Australia (WGCSA).
The forum will give the industry direct access to ministers and government agencies to find practical ways to support one of South Australia’s biggest agricultural and export industries.
It comes as the wine sector continues to grapple with several pressures, including global oversupply, declining grape prices and the ongoing effects of previous international trade disruptions.
Despite the challenges, wine remains a major contributor to the South Australian economy.
The state produces more than 80 per cent of Australia’s premium wine and half of the nation’s bottled wine, while wine was SA’s third-largest export commodity by value in the 12 months to March 2026.
During that period, South Australia exported 317.5 million litres of wine worth $1.62 billion.
The state is home to 680 wineries, 3,143 vineyard owners and more than 73,000 hectares of vineyards, spanning major wine regions including the Barossa, McLaren Vale, Adelaide Hills, Clare Valley and Coonawarra.
The State Government has already announced several initiatives aimed at helping the industry navigate the current conditions and find new opportunities.
In June, it announced $1.8 million over four years for Project 450, a SAWIA-managed fund designed to support market and industry development across the state’s premium wine regions.
A further $3.9 million has been committed through the Global Wine Growth Program to pursue new export opportunities in China, the US, UK and Southeast Asia.
The government has also invested $1.85 million to help South Australian wine businesses re-engage with the Chinese market, alongside $3.1 million through the South Australian Wine Recovery Program to boost domestic demand, build regional capability and support vineyard waste management.
The push to open new international markets has also continued, with Premier Malinauskas recently signing a Memorandum of Understanding with US wine and liquor retailer Total Wine & More during a visit to the United States.
The retailer operates 294 stores across 30 states and is already one of the biggest stockists of premium Australian wine in the US.
The agreement will see South Australia and Total Wine & More work together over the next 12 to 18 months on promotions, trade education, buyer engagement and category development, with the goal of getting more premium SA wines in front of American consumers.
“At a time of global oversupply and other challenges facing our wine industry, it’s important that we hear directly from those impacted to learn how we can best support them,” shared Premier Peter Malinauskas.
“We want to safeguard the future of the state’s wine industry and support South Australian wine grape growers and producers.
“The aim of bringing these key representatives together is to discuss solutions and impactful ways the State Government can support our industry through these challenges – and make it even stronger.”
Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development Clare Scriven added, “some of the oldest vines in the world, and 50 per cent of all bottled wine.
“The Malinauskas Government is committed to supporting our wine industry and today’s event is an important opportunity to speak directly with growers and wine makers about the challenges they are facing.
“We want to continue to strengthen South Australia’s wine industry for the future by not only responding to the challenges but also embracing opportunities for growth.”
For an industry so deeply integrated into South Australia’s identity, the forum comes at a crucial time as growers, winemakers and government work to ensure the state’s wine story continues well into the future.
