The Australian government is funding the development of a National Vineyard Register, a project led by Wine Australia aimed at improving planning across Australia’s wine and grape sector.
The register is funded through the government’s Grape and Wine Sector Long term Viability Support Package and is intended to strengthen long term decision making.
Wine Australia has engaged Map of Ag Australia to design and build the digital platform, which will incorporate industry input and is expected to be operational by the end of 2026.
The register will compile data on vineyard plantings and varietal composition nationwide, creating a central source of information for growers and wine makers on what is planted and where.
The aim is to improve visibility across the sector and support more informed decisions, including efforts to better align supply and demand.
The project responds to a recommendation of the Viticulture and Wine Sector Working Group, established by Australia’s agriculture ministers in 2024 to address red wine oversupply and other structural challenges affecting the sector.
Since coming to office, the Australian government has committed more than $90 million in funding to support the grape and wine sector.
“We know recent years have been a challenging, that’s why our government is investing in practical, long-term solutions to support the sector’s future,” said minister for agriculture, fisheries and forestry Julie Collins.
“The National Vineyard Register will deliver data-driven insights to give industry the tools and information to support a resilient and sustainable grape and wine sector.”
Support measures include:
$3.5 million in 2024 for Wine Australia to implement the Grape and Wine Sector Long term Viability Support Package, and a further $1.1 million in July 2025 to extend the package.
A $30 million extension in September 2025 of the Wine Tourism and Cellar Door Grant Program for a further three years.
A commitment in December 2025 to introduce a mandatory code of conduct in January 2027 for wine grape purchases, following Dr Craig Emerson’s report on regulatory options for the sector.
Participation by Australian Grape and Wine in Austrade’s $50 million Accessing New Markets Initiative to support diversification into new and emerging export markets.
More information about the National Vineyard Register is available through Wine Australia.
“The National Vineyard Register is an important platform that will provide meaningful insights for growers and the sector at a really critical time,” said Wine Australia chief executive officer Dr Martin Cole.
“The need for better data on which varieties are grown by region was identified as a key priority under the One Grape & Wine Sector Plan to help inform better decision making by wine businesses in the context of a persistent oversupply.
“The National Vineyard Register has an ambitious timeline and the building of the digital platform is a vital component of the project.”
More information about the National Vineyard Register is available through Wine Australia.
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