Latest 2025 Updates
The news at a glance
- Message from our General Manager
- Notice of Annual General Meetings
- RWGA - Nomination of Candidates
- FREE Local Mental Health Support
- Save The Date - Riverland Wine Insights Evening
- ChemCert Accreditation - Members half price
- Spray Season Reminder/ Chemical Update/ Abandon Vineyards
- Riverland Fungicide Workshop - FREE tickets
- Shed Meetings - coming soon
- Industry Growth Program
- Support for Wine Industry Impacted by Red Grape Oversupply
- One Basin - Decarbonising the Basin’s Irrigation Regions
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Dear Members,
As we approach another vintage, I think it’s important to acknowledge the difficult times our industry continues to face. Market conditions remain extremely challenging, with grape prices again expected to sit below the cost of production for many. Federal and State Government has also made it very clear to us that no formal “vine pull” or exit assistance program is likely in the near term.
Please be assured that the Riverland Wine team do recognise how deeply this ongoing uncertainty impacts our growers, businesses and their families. Many are under immense financial and emotional strain, and it’s vital that we continue to look out for one another. Please check in on your neighbours, colleagues and friends. Sometimes a simple conversation can make a real difference. Support services are available, and reaching out for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Please see more about these services below.
Riverland Wine continues to advocate strongly on your behalf. We are lobbying Government for more export marketing assistance to help balance the oversupply, while also supporting a mandatory code of conduct to bring greater transparency to grape purchasing. We also continue to push for targeted support for growers who want to diversify or want to exit the industry, but quite simply can’t afford to do so. These are critical steps toward restoring balance and long-term sustainability.
While there is no easy path ahead, we will continue to stand alongside you, represent your interests, and seek practical solutions in every forum available to us.
In further efforts to help balance the oversupply of wine, we are proud to announce our participation in the upcoming World Bulk Wine Exhibition (WBWE) in Amsterdam. Riverland Wine will host a dedicated regional stand representing a diverse range of wineries from the Riverland. Attendance to the exhibition has been funded 50% by a Federal Government Export Market Development Grant, 25% by wineries attending and 25% by winemaker industry levy contributions.
With over 2,000 international bulk wine buyers expected to attend, this global platform offers a valuable opportunity to forge important connections with big buyers, highlight the region’s internationally recognised sustainable practices, and promote the unique qualities of Riverland’s bulk wine offerings.
Finally, a reminder that the Riverland Wine Annual General Meeting will be held on Tuesday, 9 December at 3:00pm at the Berri Hotel. This is an important opportunity to come together, hear updates on current initiatives and discuss the way forward. I encourage all members to attend and take part in these vital conversations about our shared future.
Thanks for your continued support and encouragement as I have settled into this role, this region, and this industry.
Cheers
Alex Cannon-Leyson, General Manager |
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🌿 Strengthening Rural Communities 🌿
Free Local Mental Health Support
The Strengthening Rural Communities Program is here to help.
Local Community Mental Health Coach Cathy offers free, confidential support for anyone needing a chat, whether it’s one-on-one, over the phone, or in your workplace. She listens, helps you find simple, practical ways to feel better, and connects you with local services and supports that can make a real difference.
You don’t have to figure it all out on your own, let’s take it one step at a time, together 🤲
📞 Cathy – 0427 481 580
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🍇Save the Date 📆
Riverland Wine Industry Insights Evening
When: Wednesday 3 December 2025
Time: 5:00 PM – 7:30 PM
Where: TBC
Hosted by: Alex Cannon-Leyson, Executive Officer, Riverland Wine
Join us for an evening of insights, networking, and regional connection as Riverland Wine presents our Industry Insights: Members Event.
Hear from key industry leaders sharing data, strategies, and perspectives shaping the future of the Australian wine sector.
Featuring guest speakers:
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Jim Markeas, Chair, Riverland Wine
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Inca Lee, CEO, South Australian Wine Industry Association
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Sandy Hathaway, Senior Analyst, Wine Australia
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Sam Scarett, CEO, Vine Health Australia
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Additional speaker/s TBC
Enjoy local wines, non-alcoholic refreshments, and regional produce as we connect and discuss opportunities for a sustainable, collaborative future.
📅 Save the date now – official invitations and RSVP details coming soon!
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Riverland Wine Members Get Chemical Accreditation for Half the Cost 🌱
Riverland Wine, in conjunction with ChemCert (RTO 90855) is offering discounted AQF3 Chemical Accreditation training for eligible Riverland winegrape growers. This means you’ll only pay half the course fee – we’ll cover the rest.
Course Fees:
AHCCHM304- Transport and Store chemicals
AHCCHM307- Prepare and apply chemicals to control pest, weeds and diseases
• Accreditation: $190 (normally $380)
• Re-accreditation: $175 (normally $350)
Why it matters:
✔️ Stay compliant with chemical use regulations
✔️ Refresh your knowledge and skills
✔️ Save money while investing in vineyard best practice standards
✔️ Be audit-ready and demonstrate sustainability in action
Upcoming Riverland Course Dates:
📍 Loxton: 25 Nov, 10 Dec, 19 Jan, 24 Feb, 29 Mar
📍 Renmark: 26 Nov, 20 Jan, 23 Feb
📍 Waikerie: 11 Dec
How to claim the half-price offer:
1. Call or email ChemCert to book your spot
Phone: 02 9439 7910
Email: enrol@ChemCert.com.au
2. Mention the Riverland Wine subsidy
3. ChemCert will confirm your eligibility with us
Spots are limited – Get in early!
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Abandoned Vineyards 🌿
A Biosecurity Risk and A Shared Responsibility
We know that sometimes growers are faced with tough decisions, the outcomes may not be ideal, and blocks are left unmanaged. While this is understandable, it’s important to be aware that abandoned vineyards can unintentionally pose a biosecurity risk to surrounding properties.
By working together, we can help protect the health of our region’s vines and support each other through these challenges.
Learn more about identifying and reporting abandoned vineyards on Vinehealth Australia’s
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🚜 Riverland Fungicide Workshop💨
Learn more at the upcoming Fungicide Workshop and learn about effective application techniques, how to get the best bang for your buck while meeting evolving conditions and avoid fungicide resistance in our region.
Stay for a beer, BBQ and a chat afterwards 🍺
📆 Thursday, 20th November @ 1pm
📍 Loxton Research Centre
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📢 Shed Meetings Coming Soon...
Stay Tuned!
As we gear up for the Fungicide Workshop on November 20, we’ll be hosting a series of shed meetings across the region to connect, share insights, and prepare for the upcoming vintage, together.
These informal gatherings are a great opportunity to:
- Hear the latest updates ahead of the workshop
- Discuss seasonal strategies and the challenges that may lay ahead
- Catch up with fellow growers and industry reps
📆 Dates and locations will be announced soon!
Keep an eye on our social media channels for all the details as they’re confirmed.
We look forward to seeing you there 👋
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Industry Growth Program
🍷Support for Wine Innovation 🍇
If your winery or vineyard is developing new products, technology, or processes to boost productivity or sustainability, the Industry Growth Program can help take your idea to the next level.
Through this Federal Government initiative, eligible small and medium businesses can access free expert advice from industry specialists and may be eligible for grants of $50,000 to $5 million to support commercialisation, expansion, or innovation projects.
It’s a great opportunity for Riverland producers exploring climate-smart practices, export growth, or tech innovation in wine and viticulture.
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Support for Wine Industry Impacted by
Red Grape Oversupply
If you are an affected grape grower, there is a range of support you may be eligible to access. |
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Rural Business Support, here for our region 🤲
Rural Business Support (RBS) is dedicated to helping farmers, landowners, and rural businesses build a profitable, sustainable, and resilient future.
Offering confidential, independent advice and mentoring, RBS assists with business planning, financial management, and navigating challenges such as seasonal pressures, succession, or change.
With an office right here in Berri, the RBS team understands our region and is ready to help local growers and businesses thrive.
Freecall 1800 836 211
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Decarbonising the Basin’s Irrigation Regions
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The One Basin CRC’s Decarbonising the Basin’s Irrigation Regions project is helping irrigation communities transition towards net zero. Running from 2025 to 2028, it focuses on practical ways to cut energy use, lower emissions, and strengthen resilience across the Murray–Darling Basin, supporting a more sustainable future for growers and producers.
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