Riverland Wine has issued an urgent open letter to South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas, warning that the state’s largest wine-producing area and the backbone of thousands of family livelihoods, is in the grip of a severe economic and social crisis.
The letter describes a situation that has escalated beyond an industry downturn into a full-blown community emergency.
“Grape purchase prices remain at historic lows, with early indicators for the 2026 vintage showing Shiraz prices as low as $80-$120 per tonne, far below the cost of production, which exceeds $350 per tonne,” the letter says.
“White grape prices have also plummeted, compounding financial distress for growers.”
The letter has been signed by Amanda Dimas, chair of the Riverland Winegrape Growers Association and Jim Markeas, chair of the Riverland Wine Industry Development Council.
“When farmers stop believing they have a future, whole towns suffer. Schools, local businesses, sporting clubs, and service organisations all feel the shockwaves,” the letter says.
Riverland Wine is calling for immediate government intervention, including:
• A government-led crisis meeting with industry, banks, peak bodies and representatives of growers and wineries, within the region by the end of January.
• An immediate and structured support package for those who want to adapt and continue to farm.
• Transitional support for those exiting the industry to address vineyard abandonment, biosecurity threats, and long-term land devaluation.
“Premier, time is not on our side,” the letter says.
“The emotional and financial damage is compounding with every passing day.”
A copy of the letter is available to read on the Riverland Wine website.
The letter was sent to the Premier on Friday 14 November.
Riverland Wine has received acknowledgment it has been received, but no official response yet.
Photograph used for illustration purposes only.
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