This section lists a number of high-level summary reports with key statistics on the wine sector including plantings, grape crush, sales, exports and economic contribution. It also includes the latest State of Play report for the sector and an entertaining look at the history of wine production in Australia.
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Overview: Australian wine - uniquely Australian, fresh, authentic, exciting and internationally competitive
Australia has around 4 per cent of world wine production and is the world's fifth largest wine exporter. It is made up of 65 wine regions, approximately 2500 wineries and over 6000 grapegrowers.
The Australian wine sector contributes over $40 billion annually to the Australian economy.
Australian wine growing areas extend from the Granite Belt in southern Queensland to Tasmania in the south and Margaret River in the west. Most of the regions are located on or near the coast. There is a big range of climates, soil types and varietal mixes making Australia’s wine offering very diverse.
There are over 100 varieties grown in Australia. The top five are: Shiraz, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Sauvignon Blanc.
The sector has been through some tumultuous times. Global demand for Australian wine created a boom in new vineyard plantings in the late 1990s. Australian exports grew at extraordinary rates through to a peak in 2007. From 1991 to 2007, the Australian wine sector more than tripled production from less than 400 million litres to 1.2 billion litres. The sector built an enviable global reputation for producing quality wine and created strong export markets particularly in the UK, USA and Canada.
The Australian wine sector state of play indicates that the short-term outlook for the wine sector is positive, with continuing sales growth expected, especially in export markets, and strengthening prices for wine and grapes, driven by strong demand. However, competition from larger wine producing countries and changes in consumer demand will continue to put pressure on Australian wine producers.
Reports listing
: Restricted to levy payers and wine exporters. Some reports are available for purchase - find out more