The Australian wine sector at a glance is a one-page overview of the Australian wine sector. It provides a convenient summary of the latest summary statistics for journalists, educators, students and government as well as importers of wine, cellar door sales personnel and others looking to provide an overview of the sector.
Statistics covered include:
- Total vineyard area in Australia and top five varieties
- Total winegrape crush by state
- Total wine production by colour
- Australian wine exports by volume, value and major destination
- Domestic wine sales by source (local vs imported) and top varietals
- Wine business statistics including employment figures and number of grapegrowing and winemaking businesses.
Report summary - 2022-23
The total vineyard area in Australia in 2022is estimated to be 146,244 ha, of which South Australia accounted for 52%, New South Wales 24% and Victoria 15%.
The total winegrape crush in 2023was 1.32 million tonnes, of which the top two varieties were Shiraz (26 per cent) and Chardonnay (19 per cent).
Australia exported 621million litres of wine in 2022-23, valued at $1.86billion (FOB). The top destination market by value was the UK, accounting for 19 per centof the exports, closely followed by the US, also with 19 per cent. On the domestic market, Australian wine sales in 2022-23 are estimated to be 444million litres, making up 82 per cent of the total sales on the domestic market in this year.
There are estimated to be 2156 wineries and approximately 6000 grapegrowers employing 163,790 full and part-time employees across 65 winegrowing regions in Australia, contributing over $45 billion annually to the Australian economy.
See also theNational Vintage Report and the Australian Wine Production Sales and Inventory Report.
About the sources
This report is derived from a number of sources which provide data to the Australian wine sector.
- The total area of vineyards is provided by the National Vineyard scan.
- Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) provides the vineyard area by variety data. Historical reports are available on theirwebsite.
- The latest crush data has been sourced from the Wine Australia National Vintage Survey.
- Production and domestic sales has been collected by Wine Australia in the annual Production, Inventory and Sales Survey.
- The export data is sourced from the Wine Australia Export Approvals Database. More information on exports can be found here.
FAQs
What is the market size of the Wine Production industry in Australia? The market size of the Wine Production industry in Australia is measured at $5.7bn in 2023.
Is Australia drowning in 3 billion bottles of wine? ›
“The industry is in dire straits,” said Kassebaum, who is planning to bring forward his retirement after 25 years in the business. Australia is drowning in wine, with the equivalent of more than 2.8 billion bottles, enough to fill more than 850 Olympic swimming pools, swilling around in storage tanks or barrels.
What is the problem with the wine industry in Australia? ›
Australia's wine industry has been particularly affected by the global downturn in wine consumption, with demand contracting sharply for the economical red wines that form the backbone of its production. This shift is starkly evident in China, a critical market for Australian exports, where demand has plummeted.
What is a famous wine producing area in Australia? ›
The Barossa Valley prides itself on producing some of the world's best wines as well as superb gourmet food. Scenic McLaren Vale is the birthplace of wine in South Australia. Drive just 45 minutes south of Adelaide to taste the region's innovative drops at its many world-renowned wineries such as d'Arenberg.
What is the outlook for the wine industry in Australia? ›
In the Wine market, volume, at home is expected to amount to 489.8m L by 2024. Volume, out-of-home is expected to amount to 99.5m L in 2024. Volume, combined is expected to amount to 589.3m L in 2024. The Wine market is expected to show a volume growth, at home of -0.6% in 2025.
What is the biggest winery in Australia? ›
The largest wineries are the Casella winery in Yenda, NSW (Yellow Tail wines) and the Berri Estates winery in Glossop, SA.
Who drinks the most alcohol in Australia? ›
Australians aged 18-24 years generally consume more standard drinks on a day they drink than any other age group. Those aged 70+ years are most likely to have 2 or less standard drinks per occasion. View project in full screen.
Why did Australia stop exporting wine to China? ›
The tariffs of between 107 and 212 per cent were introduced in 2020 on some of Australia's best-known wine brands. They followed multiple diplomatic disputes between Canberra and Beijing over human rights, national security and COVID-19 that saw all ministerial contact cut off between the two governments.
Do Australians drink a lot of wine? ›
“Compared to a year ago there are now 9,068,000 Australian adults drinking wine in an average four weeks, up 159,000 on a year ago – though the share of the population is virtually unchanged,” said Levine. “Over half of Australian adults aged 65-79 (50.7%) and 50-64 (50.3%) drink wine in an average four weeks.”
Why is wine cheap in Australia? ›
Australian wine cost belongs to the cheaper variable costs like labour,cultivation costs of the vineyard ,weather conditions and soil conducive for better and tasty yields . Lastly consumers may prefer other wines if the cost is hiked.
Unlike beer and spirits, which are taxed based on their alcohol content, wine is taxed on its wholesale value. As a result, cheap wine attracts far less tax than beer or spirits. Per litre of alcohol, cheap wine attracts only $3 in tax.
Which country buys the most Australian wine? ›
The Americans are now the largest importer of Australian wine by value, contributing $436 million (up 9%) to the Australian economy, with 139ML of Australian wine enjoyed in the country (Table 7).
Why is Australian wine unique? ›
Australia offers distinguished sites, the wealth of some of the oldest vines on the planet and multi-generational families whose long-standing dedication provides inspiration, leadership and custodial care of Australia's most precious vines and wines.
What is the wine capital of Australia? ›
Known as the wine capital of Australia, Adelaide is surrounded by some of the best wine regions in the country, many of which are just a short drive from the city.
What is the most common Australian wine? ›
SHIRAZ. Bright, bold and full of personality, Shiraz is Australia's most popular variety. It grows in almost every wine region of Australia, accounts for one-quarter of total wine production and is our most exported wine.
How big is the alcohol industry in Australia? ›
Revenue, at home (e.g., revenue generated in supermarkets and convenience stores) in the Alcoholic Drinks market amounts to US$21.8bn in 2024. Revenue, out-of-home (e.g., revenue generated in restaurants and bars) amounts to US$10.4bn in 2024. Revenue, combined amounts to US$32.3bn in 2024.
Where does Australian wine rank? ›
Australia ranks fifth globally in wine production, behind the traditional wine-producing countries Italy, France, and Spain.
Why is Australian wine so popular? ›
The Perfect Climate for Grapes
Australia's warmer temperature allows for producing elegant, full-bodied wines that are both high in acidity and alcohol. Wines from the Adelaide Hills and Yarra Valley regions, in the cooler southeast of Australia, tend to have more earthy scents and fruity tastes.
