South Australian grapegrowers are on track for a quality vintage in 2019, on the back of increased prices per tonne and a production year that slightly exceeded the 10-year average.
SA Wine Industry Association's chief executive officer Brian Smedley said legislative improvements for industry dominated conversations this year.
"Legislative areas have been very active at a state and federal level," he said.
“We are experiencing some of the highest levels of exports we have had in more than a decade, our growth situation and abilities to gain higher prices is our ability to sell our product, so morale is quite high among grapegrowers.”
Looking ahead, Mr Smedley said it was difficult to predict tonnage for 2019.
“We do know that Europe has increased production significantly this year, so from a global perspective there will be some competitive pressure on what is available on the market,” he said.
Grapegrowers gain stronger voice
The Wine Grape Council of SA focused on identifying winegrape variety demand this year, to ensure industry were on track with wine-taste trends domestically and internationally.
Wine Grape Council of SA chair Heather Webster said the national reform of industry bodies to form Australian Grape and Wine Incorporated was a major step forward for the sector too.
“We now have one voice which is stronger and better equipped to reach better outcomes for industry,” she said.
“Convincing government to appeal the labour licencing hire act that was brought in last year was a major win for all of industry.”
”A lot of quality communication with grapegrowers to know what their priorities were throughout that process was a big achievement.”
Ms Webster said 2019 will be focused on maintaining a legislative environment that was conducive to grapegrowers needs.