Grape prices rise 4% across South Australia in Vintage 2018

Wine Australia released the 2018 Vintage Report earlier today with good news for grape growers. The average purchase value per tonne increased across the state by 4 per cent from $680 in 2017 to $710 per tonne in 2018.

The total estimated value of the crush was just under $590 million in 2018 compared with $658 million in 2017, reflecting the decrease in tonnes felt by most regions. 

The total reported crush of South Australian winegrapes in 2018 was 747,361 tonnes. This was a decrease of 13 per cent compared with the above-average 2017 reported crush of 863,279 tonnes. The crush was just above the 10-year average (2008-2017) of 739,572 tonnes.

The top three regions by volume in 2018 were the Riverland with 60 per cent of the crush (447,410 tonnes), Barossa Valley including Barossa zone other with 8 per cent (56,970 tonnes) and Langhorne Creek with 6 per cent (44,695 tonnes).

Most regions had reported decreases in tonnes crushed, including the Barossa Valley (down 21 per cent), Langhorne Creek (down 24 per cent), McLaren Vale (down 19 per cent) and Clare Valley (down 17 per cent). Regions in the Limestone Coast incurred particularly large reductions, with Wrattonbully down 52 per cent and Padthaway down 48 per cent.

Looking at the top varieties for each region and it was McLaren Vale Shiraz, Clare Riesling, Riverland Chardonnay and Langhorne Creek Cabernet Sauvignon that achieved the best price increases. Particular mention to Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon which reached its highest value since 2003. 

Weighted average prices decreased slightly for Barossa Shiraz and Adelaide Hills Sauvignon Blanc. 

To read the full 2018 Vintage Reports click the links below.

National Vintage Report
South Australian Vintage Summary Report
South Australian Vintage Full Report

Regional Reports

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