Australia’s grape and wine sector, like the broader agricultural industry, is experiencing increasing operational pressure from fuel supply constraints, rising fertiliser costs and ongoing supply chain disruption due to the ongoing tensions in the Middle East.

This is an evolving issue, with impacts being experienced in vineyards and wineries as well as in logistics networks and by regional tourism operators, including

• the cost and availability of key vineyard inputs, including fertiliser and fuel for machinery
• access to packaging for wine freight
• cost and access to freight for grapes and wine
• increased costs associated with international and domestic travel
• difficulty booking international freight to ports impacted by conflict
• extended international shipping timeframes and costs
• reduced regional tourism and cellar door visits
• planning and decision‑making across the season, particularly where uncertainty persists.

These disruptions and pricing volatility are adding another layer of pressure on the sector at an already challenging time. The uncertainty is understandably concerning. The longer disruptions persist, the greater the potential impact this has downstream.

While many organisations will be working closely with industry and government at a national, state or regional level, given the changing nature of the issues, ongoing communication and regular contact is vital in keeping abreast of new developments.  

What is Wine Australia doing?

Wine Australia has been closely monitoring developments and engaging with government and industry partners throughout the disruptions.

Wine Australia is not an advocacy body, therefore we have been working with Australian Grape & Wine to ensure the needs of the grape and wine sector are represented.

Together with Australian Grape & Wine, we have been regularly speaking with state and regional representative associations and with members of our grape and wine community about the issues to gain a comprehensive picture, and we will continue to do this for as long as necessary.

We have also been representing the sector at roundtable meetings with the Australian Government that are aimed at reducing risk to businesses and support resilience in the supply chain. These meetings are regular and ongoing, with representatives across primary industries and State and Territory Governments helping to coordinate immediate and future action.

We are here to support you. Please email us at communications@wineaustralia.com if you have significant updates or insights that we can feed back to the roundtable meetings for agriculture.

Alternatively, contact Australian Grape & Wine or your state industry association.

Freight disruption

If you are planning shipments to the region impacted by the conflict, please contact your freight forwarder to confirm their current shipment status.

Carriers and logistics providers are actively managing impacts through alternative routes and while disruptions are being seen, global trade lanes remain open and wine shipments are continuing to move. Exporters are encouraged to allow additional lead time where possible and stay closely connected with your freight partners.  

Should you need to cancel or make changes to a shipment, this can be done in WALAS or contact our Export Assistance Team at exports@wineaustralia.com for support.

Useful links and information

• Free on Board (FOB) to Retail Calculator (Wine Australia) to calculate the on-the-shelf bottle price (the RRP) in international markets for a given FOB value.
• 2026 Market access advice notices (Department of Agriculture Fisheries and Forestry)
• Middle East updates and support (Australian Government)

Crisis, wellbeing and mental health support services

The wellbeing of people across our grape and wine community is fundamental to a strong and sustainable sector – particularly at a time of heightened uncertainty.

We have brought together a list of expert‑led support services and programs that are available to assist with financial, emotional, psychological, business, family, health and technical challenges, including access to critical crisis support services.

Supporting one another matters. Please check in on your neighbours, colleagues, friends and family – and if you need support, reach out. You are not alone.