The Australian and South Australian governments have extended the SA Wine Recovery Program to 2027, continuing support for South Australian grape growers and wine makers to diversify sales and improve productivity and sustainability.
The extension is backed by $3.1 million in federal funding and will continue measures introduced to help the industry respond to adverse events and market disruption in recent years.
A third round of the Resting Vineyard Rebate will be delivered as part of the extension. The rebate supports growers to temporarily rest sections of vineyards to reduce production costs and allow time to assess future viability.
“At any one time, South Australia has nearly a billion bottles of wine on tables and in cellars around the world – a testament to the success and commitment to excellence from the state’s wine industry,” said minister for agriculture, fisheries and forestry Julie Collins.
“We know though that grape growers and wine makers across South Australia have faced a number of challenges in recent years, which is why we continue to work with them to deliver practical support.
“Extending the SA Wine Recovery Program is another way the Australian government is supporting grape growers and wine makers diversify their trade, boost their productivity, and strengthen the long-term sustainability of their businesses.”
Existing program streams will also continue, with a focus on vineyard waste management, domestic market demand initiatives and strengthening regional grape and wine capability. This includes work to identify safe and sustainable options for disposing of Copper Chrome Arsenate treated posts.
“The extension of the Wine Recovery Program will support the work already underway here in South Australia through collaboration with the South Australian Wine Industry Association and the Wine Grape Council of South Australia,” said minister for primary industries and regional development Clare Scriven.
Support to increase the uptake of sustainability credentials will be extended, with the aim of helping businesses improve efficiency and reduce emissions. To date, this stream has supported 75 wine businesses across the state.
The extended program will also include a 12 month domestic campaign to raise the profile of South Australian wines.
South Australia produces 80 per cent of Australia’s premium wine and 50 per cent of bottled wine. In 2024 to 25, more than 397 million litres of wine were exported, valued at $1.8 billion.
The SA Wine Recovery Program was developed following recommendations from the Viticulture and Wine Sector Working Group, with input from the South Australian Wine Industry Association and the Wine Grape Council of South Australia.
“This extension of the SA Wine Recovery Program delivers practical, targeted support at a time when many wine businesses are making difficult decisions in a challenging operating environment,” said Australian Grape and Wine chief executive officer Lee McLean.
“Extending the sustainability and capability streams of the program is a smart investment that helps wine businesses improve efficiency, lower costs and strengthen their environmental credentials.”
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