Latest 2026 Updates

The news at a glance

• Industry Update - Andrew Weeks, Executive Officer 

• ​Support Services Available 

• ​Next Crop Riverland 2026

• Assistance for Riverland Wine Growers

• ​Melbourne Good Food & Wine Show 

• Melbourne Buyer Showcase 

• ​APVMA Ruling on Paraquat and Diquat herbicides

• New National Grapevine Certification Program Launched

• Australian Grape and Wine Webinar - Options for vineyards

• Member Survey - Help shape the Future of the Industry 

Industry Update: Navigating a Challenging Season

The worldwide drop in wine consumption has left a heap of excess wine sitting in tanks in all the major wine producing countries. Chile has pulled out 110,000 acres of vines. California and even the highly valued region of Bordeaux are seeing vineyards removed because they are no longer profitable. This is a global problem, a drop in consumption combined with continued high production has led to supply exceeding demand, driving down the value of wine and the fruit used to make it.

During this period of already depressed prices, the last thing anyone needed was the March rains and the resulting disease pressure that followed. Some have rated this past season as the worst year for disease they have ever seen. Losing a crop in the days before harvest is heartbreaking and frustrating.

It is worth remembering the contribution this region has made. Riverland grape growers and winemakers helped build the export growth of Australian wine. Brands that became household names were built on the foundation of affordable, enjoyable wines made by efficient growers here in the Riverland. Quality wines at an affordable price introduced many overseas customers to Australian wine, benefited the entire Australian wine category, and made the wine sector a vital part of the Riverland economy. The memory of those good times and healthy profits makes the current setback feel even harder.

Over the past five years, the reduction in the total value of wine grape sales is equivalent to over $140 million dollars per year. That is money no longer being earned by local wine companies, paid out to grape growers, and stimulating the local economy. It is not surprising that stress and anxiety are increasing across the region. The long-term decline in the industry, followed by the season just past, has been a real kick in the guts. It is perfectly normal to feel stressed and anxious, and for the mental health load to start to pile on. Growers, like all farmers, tend to be resilient and try to bear the load themselves, but it is important to acknowledge what can and cannot be controlled:

1. It does not reflect badly on anyone who cannot make a profit growing grapes at present. There is nothing that growers or wine companies can do in the face of these market forces. You could be the best grower in the world and still not be able to make a profit right now.

2. There was nothing that could be done about the disease during harvest. You could have the best spray program in the world, but 100mm of rain on ripe fruit with follow-up rains two weeks later creates perfect conditions for rot and fruit damage. Losing fruit this way does not mean you are a bad grower.

3. There are no signs of a sudden improvement in grape prices. The drop in demand for wine is a global trend, and continuing with business as usual is not likely to bring success. Vineyards are being turned off or removed across the country.

4. The wine industry of the future will look very different from the past. With lower demand, there will not be a place for the same vineyard area or the same number of growers. We may be growing different varieties and making different wines. Being flexible, adaptable, and willing to change will be a real advantage.

5. It is a really good idea to get high-quality advice about your options. Some growers who have decided to leave the wine industry have described real relief once they made the difficult decision to stop growing at a loss, sleepless nights eased, and a sense of control over their future returned.

Riverland Wine strongly believes the best path forward is for the entire region to work together and approach state and federal governments to explore ways we can help, both for those wishing to continue growing and those who want to get out.

Finally, keep talking to each other. It is common for farmers to wear the load on their own and tough it out, spending hours each day alone in the tractor or on the block. But keeping in touch with friends, staying active socially, and checking in on your neighbours is a great way to help yourself and others through this period. Keep in touch.

Andrew Weeks, Executive Officer, Riverland Wine

​

Support Services Available

A reminder to ALL MEMBERS that a range of local support services and helpful information is available on our website.

If you or someone you know is doing it tough, whether personally or professionally, please don’t hesitate to access these business, financial and community health resources. 

Next Crop Riverland 2026 Is Off to a Flying Start!

We are thrilled to announce the launch of Next Crop Riverland 2026, a dynamic leadership development program proudly supported by Wine Australia and delivered in partnership with Riverland Wine and Affectus. Fifteen emerging industry leaders from across our region came together for a brilliant first session, bringing with them a wealth of diverse experience, fresh perspectives, and a shared passion for the future of the Riverland wine industry. From viticulture and winemaking to business and beyond, this group truly represents the best of what our region has to offer.

A heartfelt thank you to our wonderful facilitator Jill Briggs, to Jo Hargreaves from Wine Australia for her contribution and ongoing support, to Jim Godden for sharing his inspiring insights, and to Riverland Wine board member Jack Papageorgiou for joining us for lunch. A special acknowledgement also goes to Leah Heinrich for her dedicated behind-the-scenes effort in making the day such a success.

💫 We can't wait to follow this exceptional group of emerging leaders as they grow, connect, and shape the future of our industry throughout the program ahead.

Assistance for Riverland Wine Growers

Riverland Wine offered three sustainability sessions on the 10th and 11th June. Thanks to those who responded and attended these sessions. Unfortunately, the third session was cancelled due to lack of numbers, and a number of those who registered for the second session did not attend.

The sustainability workshops are offered to reduce the expense of training and compliance for those wishing to sell their fruit under this accreditation. With more wine companies requiring sustainability accreditation, this support has been well received by those taking part. There has been some comment on social media questioning why this accreditation is a focus at this time in the wine sector, during the current problems with the downturn. The simple answer is that some of our wine companies need it to sell their wine, so their growers need it to supply fruit. It is a focus because Riverland Wine is offering whatever assistance is possible to help making this process easier and cheaper for those in need.

There are some very promising developments with automated auditing for SWA, which has the potential to significantly reduce the cost of audits. Stay tuned for more information.

We are also mindful that growers who are removing vineyards would like options to help dispose of unwanted vineyard posts and dripper tube. We have started making inquiries into how we can help with this problem as well. We will provide more information once it comes to hand.​

Riverland Wine - Melbourne Good Food & Wine Show 2026

In late May, Riverland Wine brought the region's story to one of Australia's biggest consumer food and wine events, with four of our member wineries: 

🍷 Mallee Estate

🍷 Starrs Reach

🍷 919 Wines

🍷 Freestone Estate

All joining forces under a single branded stand at the Melbourne Good Food & Wine Show. Alongside Destination Riverland, the team poured wines, shared the Riverland's Mediterranean varietals story, and engaged with thousands of Melbourne wine lovers across three days at the MCEC.

A Meta digital campaign running in the lead-up to and during the show reached over 236,000 unique users, helping drive interest and foot traffic to the stand.

Feedback from producers was overwhelmingly positive, with all four wineries reporting strong consumer engagement and new leads. Highlights included significant interest in Mediterranean and alternative varietals, Starrs Reach's Grenache in a can proving a crowd favourite, and both 919 Wines and Mallee Estate reporting new website traffic and commercial enquiries following the event.

A consumer giveaway co-ordinated by Destination Riverland generated 159 new email subscribers for the group, with the lucky winner, Lexie from Seaford, Victoria took home a $2,000 Riverland experience package.

Connecting with the Trade: Melbourne Buyer Showcase

The day after the Good Food & Wine Show wrapped, Riverland Wine hosted an invitation-only trade tasting at the Crowne Plaza Melbourne, bringing together distributors, on-premise buyers, restaurateurs, and wine media for an evening dedicated to the Riverland. Held in the River View Room on 1 June, the event gave producers the chance to present their wines in a relaxed setting with catering and networking. The format was well received, with satisfaction ratings of 8–10 out of 10 from all participating wineries.

The evening attracted between 12 and 15 trade guests, including respected wine writers Max Allen and Jeremy Oliver, whose attendance offers the prospect of future editorial coverage for our region. Commercial outcomes have already been felt, since the event, participating producers have already seen tangible results, with new orders confirmed through distributor channels and new listing discussions underway with prospective customers.

Both events were supported by the South Australian Government through the Department of Primary Industries and Regions.

APVMA Ruling on Paraquat and Diquat herbicides

The APVMA has handed down a decision about the use of paraquat and diquat herbicides. The bottom line is that while the chemicals have not been banned completely, as feared by some farming groups, there have been restrictions placed on their use. Key points from the APVMA media release:

• Following a risk-based assessment process, both chemicals will remain available but subject to restrictions.

• The restrictions will apply to new products manufactured from today, with existing stocks of chemicals phased out over a two-year period.

• The maximum amount of active ingredient that can be applied is 231 g/ha. This equates to a product rate of 924ml/ha of paraquat and 1.15L/ha of diquat. This represents between 20% and 58% of conventional label rates. This is likely to make both herbicides ineffective against all but very small weeds.

• In making its decision, the APVMA “found that the weight of evidence does not show that paraquat exposure through approved uses increases the risk of developing Parkinson’s disease.”

• New restrictions will phase out backpack sprayers and require enclosed mixing and loading systems for all uses.

The Statement form the APVMA can be found here:

New National Grapevine Certification Program Launched

Wine Australia  has announced the launch of VitiCert Australia, a new national certification program for grapevine planting material aimed at giving grape and wine businesses greater confidence in vine quality and long-term vineyard performance. Planting a vineyard is one of the most significant capital investments a grower can make, and issues such as virus infection, trunk disease, or incorrect varietal identity can take years to surface, often resulting in reduced yields or costly re-establishment. VitiCert sets nationally recognised standards across the entire supply chain, from source blocks through to nurseries, with certified material independently audited and clearly labelled at point of sale.

The program will roll out in stages over the next two years, with the first VitiCertified cuttings expected to be available from winter 2028.

🛜Webinar 

Options for vineyards: reworking and top-grafting

Consequently, many growers are reassessing the future of their blocks, with a focus on 4 main redevelopment pathways:

1. Reworking

2. Top-grafting

3. Replanting

4. Removing

Each option has different costs, risks and timelines with the choice depending on vine health, soil condition, infrastructure status, market outlook and long-term business goals. Attendees of this webinar will take away the knowledge on how to rework and top-graft a vineyard.

Member Feedback Survey