A new $1.8 million wine industry fund will be rolled out across South Australia over the next four years, in a move designed to help the state’s premium wine regions adapt to shifting markets, changing consumer habits and ongoing pressure across the global wine sector.
The Government will establish Project 450, a South Australian Wine Industry Association-managed support fund that will deliver market and industry development programs for wine producers and regions across the state.
The fund will be backed by $450,000 in annual State Government seed funding, with additional contributions from the wine sector to support business capability, regional branding, promotional campaigns, special events and stronger market connections.
The announcement follows recent wine industry roundtables hosted by Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development Clare Scriven, where industry development and targeted support were identified as key priorities for the sector.
South Australia is home to 18 distinct wine regions and produces 80 per cent of Australia’s premium wine, as well as 50 per cent of the nation’s bottled wine. Its international reputation is also reflected in the state’s membership of the Great Wine Capitals Global Network, which includes destinations such as Bordeaux and Napa Valley.
Minister Scriven said the funding was aimed at helping the industry navigate both immediate challenges and long-term opportunities.
“Our primary industries and regions are the backbone of South Australia and the economic powerhouse that drives prosperity for all South Australians, and we are indisputably Australia’s wine state,” Minister Scriven said.
“At a time of changing global wine consumption trends and a global oversupply of winegrapes, it is crucial to invest in our wine regions to help them be competitive, prosperous and sustainable during periods of challenging global market conditions.
“Project 450 will provide a foundation for sustainable growth whilst assisting producers to face the current challenges of changing consumer preferences and market disruptions.”
Project 450 builds on several existing State Government wine industry investments, including $3.9 million through the Global Wine Growth Program to target new export opportunities in China, the US, UK and Southeast Asia. The government has also committed $1.85 million to help South Australian wine businesses re-engage with China, along with $3.1 million through the South Australian Wine Recovery Program to boost domestic demand, build regional capability and support vineyard waste management.
SAWIA Chief Executive Inca Lee said the expanded funding would help the industry respond to current pressures while continuing to pursue growth.
“The South Australian Wine Industry Association warmly thanks Premier Malinauskas and the South Australian Government for this important investment in Project 450,” Ms Lee said.
“Over the past eight years, Project 250 has helped deliver more than 120 projects in South Australian regions. With enhanced funding, SAWIA and regions have greater capacity to deliver projects that respond to current business challenges and changing market conditions.
“With vintage 2026 now wrapped up, this investment recognises both the challenges our industry faces and the opportunities ahead. With the right support, South Australian wine will continue to be a powerful driver of regional prosperity and a globally celebrated wine producer.
“Wine is not just an industry in South Australia, it’s a cornerstone of our economy, our regions and our global reputation. It supports thousands of jobs, drives tourism, and underpins the identity of communities across all 18 wine regions.”
