The South Australian Government will spend $3.9 million on a support package for local wine exporters over the next two years.
The Global Wine Growth Program was announced ahead of the government’s broader trade and investment strategy launch on Wednesday.
The program, which will be co-designed in partnership with the South Australian wine industry, will be focused on delivering strong commercial outcomes and building South Australia’s recognition globally.
It will target mature markets like China, the US and UK, as well as emerging wine markets like Southeast Asia.
The announcement comes ahead of South Australia’s Trade and Investment Strategy to 2030, which will be launched by Premier Peter Malinauskas and Trade and Investment Minister Joe Szakacs on Wednesday 23 July.
Already one of the state’s largest export industries, South Australian wine accounted for more than two-thirds of Australia’s total global wine exports in the year to March 2025 – at more than $1.9 billion.
The Global Wine Growth Program expands on the substantial success of the $1.85 million Wine Exporters China Re-engagement Support Program announced in March 2024, which saw South Australia recover 90 percent of its all-time peak wine exports to China in just one year, outperforming other states.
It is the first of several measures to be funded through an additional $5 million – announced as part of last month’s State Budget – to support South Australian industries and businesses impacted by the current global trade environment and tariffs.
South Australia is home to more than 700 wineries across 18 distinct wine regions – producing 80 percent of Australia’s premium wine – and is responsible for 70 percent of the country’s wine and grape research capability.
Today’s announcement comes as the wine industry prepares to converge on Adelaide from 20-23 July to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing the sector at the 19th Australian Wine Industry Technical Conference.
Trade and Investment Minister Joe Szakacs said, “South Australia is Australia’s undisputed wine capital, and this program will ensure that this crucial industry cannot only adapt to changing global markets but thrive within them.
“Through the State Government’s Wine Exporters China Re-engagement Support Program and the Wine Export Diversification Program, we’ve seen the industry lift exports back to near-record levels.
“Now we’re taking the next step to seize on this opportunity.
“Through the Global Wine Export Program, we’re increasing our investment in supporting the state’s wine sector to better connect our already world-renowned wine industry across the globe.
Matthew McCulloch, Langmeil Winery managing director and SA Wine Industry Association Board member said, “We welcome the Malinauskas Government’s investment in supporting South Australian winemakers build demand for their wines in key export markets.
“Conditions remain incredibly tough, as shifts in consumer preferences, a global wine oversupply, and a volatile trading environment continue to challenge winemakers.
“We therefore look forward to working with government to design impactful market activations under this program, and to continued investment in the wine industry’s export success.”
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