The Australian wine industry is one of the world's largest exporters of wine, with approximately 800 million out of the 1.2 to 1.3 billion litres produced annually exported to overseas markets.
Report summary - 2021-22
Australia exported 625 million litres of wine in 2021-22, valued at $2.1 billion (FOB). The top destination market was the USA, accounting for 21% of the exports by value.
Australian wine regions are recognized as some of the best in the world, and grape growing in vineyards plays a significant role in the country's agriculture industry. Treasury Wine Estates is Australia's largest wine producer, followed by Accolade Wines, Casella Family Brands, and Pernod Ricard Winemakers.
Australian wine ranks among the world's best. More than 100 grape varieties are grown here, and the diversity of Australia's winemakers means you're sure to find something to surprise you – in the very best way.
Trumping Italy, France, Spain, New Zealand, Argentina and every other country on the planet, little old Australia has taken home the most Best in Show awards – ten in total – in the Decanter World Wine Awards 2023. It's a wine competition regarded as the world's biggest and most legit, now in its 20th year.
Australia wine has a slightly warmer climate and makes more graceful full-bodied wines with a high degree of acidity and alcohol. Wines made in the cooler southeastern part of Australia (Yarra Valley and Adelaide Hills) have more earthy tones and fruity flavours.
In 2021, wine exports from Australia to the United States amounted to over 454 million Australian dollars, making it the leading export destination for Australian wine.
The largest wine company in the world is Castel Freres, with a gross annual sales of $15.87 billion. As of 2021, the global wine industry has a market size of $434.99 billion.
Australia is the 7th largest wine-producing country in the world with 170 000 hectares of vineyards that stretches across four main Australian wine regions: Western Australia, New South Wales, Victoria, and South Australia. Each region offers a diversity of wines and wine tourism experiences.
The Australian wine industry stands tall as one of the most prominent in the world, exporting a staggering 800 million litres out of a total of 1.2-1.3 billion litres annually exported there. It's a critical player in the Australian economy, contributing significantly to production, employment, exports, and tourism.
According to the International Organisation of Vine and Wine (OIV), the largest wine producing countries are Italy, France, Spain, the United States and Argentina (juices and musts excluded).
Italy has been producing wine for more than 4,000 years. Its climate makes it the perfect environment for viticulture, resulting in wine that-is renowned around the world for its exceptional quality.
Italy is the largest wine producer in the world with 4,796,600 tonnes production per year. Spain comes second with 4,607,850 tonnes yearly production.
Bordeaux, World Heritage Site since 2007
World wine capital, the city of Bordeaux looks resplendent in its 18th-century grandeur. UNESCO declared it a World Heritage Site in 2007.
Our old vines
It might come as a surprise to learn that Australia is home to some of the oldest vines in the world, many over 150 years old! You've got to be truly special to survive that long, lovingly tended by six or more generations to make remarkable wines that are uniquely Australian.
The key competitors in the wine market in Australia are E. & J. Gallo Winery, De Bortoli Wines, Pernod Ricard, Treasury Wine Estates Ltd, and Accolade Wines.
Known as the wine capital of Australia, Adelaide is surrounded by some of the best wine regions in the country, many of which are just a short drive from the city.
Generally, the accepted characterization is that wines from the New World (such as Australia) tend to be more ripe, fruit-forward and round than wines from the Old World (such as France), which might show more structure and non-fruit notes of flint, spice and earth, but there are plenty of exceptions.
Australia makes soft fruity wines from well-known varieties that newcomers tend to enjoy, but also more refined styles that appeal to aficionados. It has a free trade deal with China. And a good reputation for food safety. It attracts waves of students and tourists from China who get a taste of the local wines.
Wine is the most popular choice of alcoholic beverage, with 43.0% of adult Australians drinking wine in an average four weeks, followed by beer at 35.2% and spirits at 30.8%.
Portugal has the highest rate of wine consumption by country in the world. Portuguese people drank an incredible 51.9 liters of wine per person in 2020. This equates to roughly a liter per person, per week. Portugal has a strong wine drinking culture, with wine commonly consumed at both lunch and dinner.
SHIRAZ. Bright, bold and full of personality, Shiraz is Australia's most popular variety. It grows in almost every wine region of Australia, accounts for one-quarter of total wine production and is our most exported wine.
How many wineries are there in Italy? According to a recent census, wineries in Italy are approximately 310.000.