Prices increase for top varieties in SA regions in 2020 wine grape crush

Wine Australia released the 2020 National Vintage report earlier this month, providing an overview of the Australian 2020 vintage.  

The total crush yield is estimated at 1.52 million tonnes, 12% below the 2019 crush, and 13% below the long-term average of 1.75 million tonnes.  The value of the national wine grape crush is estimated to be $1.07 billion, down 9% in 2019, however, the average purchase price of $694 per tonne was a 5% increase compared with $663 in 2019.

Closer to home the South Australian Crush Survey report is also now available. This report includes a vintage overview of the state and individual wine grape growing region in SA. 
The SA crush is estimated at 651,196 tonnes, 15% below the 2019 crush, and 12% below the 10-year average. The value of the SA crush is estimated at $557 million compared with 630 million in 2019. For more detailed information, you can find both the full and summary reports on our WGCSA website. 

It was a mixed bag for our wine growing regions with Limestone Coast harvest volume down by 54% and Barossa and Clare Valley down by 23% and 29% respectively. Langhorne Creek volume was down by 44%, Coonawarra down by 30% and Adelaide Hills down by 23%.

In contrast, the Riverland crush was only down 3% and further increased its share of the state's production to 71% of total volume, up from 62% in 2019. McLaren Vale was down by a relatively small 13% and became the second-largest region by volume after the Riverland

Overall, it was a challenging season for many growers with drought, weather events and water issues causing angst.  For others, yields are only slightly down, and they seem relatively happy.

One thing that’s overwhelmingly consistent is the quality of grapes being grown in our SA grape and wine regions continues to be of exceptional quality. This is great news for everyone, including the growers, the regions, the winemakers, the marketers, and the consumers. 

The individuality of each region is the strength of the wine industry in SA and while sometimes the fate of regions differ due to weather events and other challenges, the collective strength of the state as a whole ensures that we continue to see well-crafted, beautiful wines being made from the exceptionally high-quality grapes being grown.  It’s something to be really proud of as we turn our attention to vintage 2021.

Finally, on behalf of the Wine Grape Council of SA and our Wine Grape Grower members, I would like to congratulate and welcome our new Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development – Minister David Basham.  We look forward to working with you in the future.