Wine grape growers across South Australia, experiencing challenges due to the oversupply of red wine grapes, can now access support through a state government grant.

The Rural Business Support Relief Fund will provide financial support, following weeks of discussions, for impacted red wine grape growers by making available immediate grants of up to AU$1,500 to accommodate routine costs, in conjunction with business financial planning.

The support aims to alleviate stress for grape growers, who have “felt significant impacts owing to market disruption, severe weather events and natural disasters”, the government said.

A further AU$60,000 in funding is also being provided to increase rural financial counselling services for the wine and viticulture industry. The ethephon vineyard resting trial will also be extended to the next vintage. By applying the chemical, grape growers could save up to AU$2,000 per hectare in input, water, and management costs, it said.

The support also complements other measures developed to assist local industry with ongoing challenges. A AU$1.85m package to re-engage with China following the recent lifting of tariffs has also been deployed, and the government previously provided AU$300,000 to develop and implement the Riverland Wine Blueprint.

Additionally, the Australian government has earmarked AU$400,000 to hire a wine export advisor, who has extensive knowledge and contacts within the Chinese wine industry to support market activation projects.

Furthermore, AU$500,000 will be allocated for promotional activities in China, aiming to market premium South Australian wines and rebrand South Australia’s image in China, thereby enhancing the recognition of South Australian wines.

This support plan is expected to continue for more than two years, concluding in June 2026.