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Government of South Australia - Department of State Development

    Wine

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    Our state is Australia’s indisputable wine capital and Adelaide is a Great Wine Capital of the world, alongside the likes of Bordeaux, Napa Valley and Rioja.

    Internationally recognised for producing the best wine in the world, we owe our diverse wine styles to an array of terroirs, from coastal regions with cool breezes, to high altitudes and rich red soils.

    We are home to the oldest continuously producing Cabernet Sauvignon vineyard in the world and Australia’s oldest family winery, as well as prestigious brands like Penfolds, Hardy’s and Henschke.

    South Australia is a leader in wine product innovation and sustainable winegrowing practices, built on a more than 200-year history, which has seen our industry continually embrace the latest in clean agricultural technologies.

    South Australia is also a leader in organic, biodynamic and natural winemaking in Australia, with the latest technologies brought into play through Australia’s leading wine education and research facilities.

    The combination of diverse terroir, old vines, winemaking tradition, iconic grape varieties, sustainability practices, and research and innovation, distinguishes South Australian wine from other regions, making it a compelling choice for wine enthusiasts worldwide.


    Celebrated South Australian wine credentials

    Wine credentials highlights

    ³ Wine and Viticulture | Waite Research Institute | University of Adelaide, Australian Wine Research Institute

    Investment and trade opportunities

    • Premium wine exports across a broad range of varietals
    • Technical skills and research partnerships for viticulture
    • World-leading agritech and precision fermentation technologies
    • Innovative wine packaging and circular economy capabilities
    • Agritech to drive productivity and sustainability, including automation and precision production.

    Target markets

    • China and Hong Kong
    • Southeast Asia
    • Japan and Korea
    • US and Canada
    • UK
    • New Zealand
    • India
    • Europe.

    South Australian Government supported initiatives

    The Global Wine Growth Program, co-designed with industry and delivered in partnership with the South Australian Wine Industry Association (SAWIA), includes initiatives and activities to support the wine industry to access and grow in global markets.

    Adelaide, as a member of the Great Wine Capitals of the World global network, including 12 internationally renowned wine regions, encourages travel, education and business exchanges between the prestigious wine regions.

    The South Australian Wine Export Diversification Program, led by DSD, is designed to support wine producers to diversify into new markets and grow sales of premium South Australian wines.

    The South Australian Wine Ambassadors Club creates an international network of advocates who share a passion for South Australian wine, helping to raise the profile of our offering, and expand exporter access to new markets.

    The Wine Exporter China Re-Engagement Support Package, led by DSD and PIRSA in partnership with the South Australian Wine Industry Association, supports the South Australian wine sector for risk-managed re‑engagement with China.

    South Australian industry supported ecosystem

    The South Australian Government works closely with the following organisations to facilitate trade and investment outcomes for the state:

    • The South Australian Wine Industry Association is the peak body representing the viticultural and winemaking interests of the state, helping wine companies prosper in the global marketplace
    • Wine Australia is the nation’s peak body representing the wine industry, investing in research, development and industry promotion
    • Regional wine and grape-growing associations represent South Australia’s diverse wine and grape-growing regions.