Speeches
Friday, 17 April 2026
Technical Wine Exchange Roundtable
It’s a pleasure to join you today.
This is my second visit to China as Governor of South Australia, having first visited in April 2024 – a critical time for the Australian wine industry as we welcomed China’s decision to remove duties on Australian bottled wine.
As South Australia’s largest two-way trading partner, China is of vital importance to our state’s economy, and of particular significance to South Australia’s wine industry.
South Australia is indisputably Australia’s wine state, producing 80 per cent of Australia’s premium wine and 50 per cent of all bottled wine.
Since trade restrictions were lifted on Australian goods, China has returned as South Australia’s largest export market.
The South Australian Government’s $1.85 million China ReEngagement Support Package has bolstered these results, including:
building export capability for grape and wine companies in South Australia;
appointing Shanghai-based Senior Wine Export Adviser Ms Emily Xu to support market activation and immersion programs, trade and industry connections, and market intelligence for South Australian producers;
supporting more than 70 South Australian wineries to reconnect with the China market through exhibitions, outbound and inbound trade missions, and business matching events.
I commend Treasury Wine Estates, one of the world’s leading wine companies and a major exporter, and the Chinese Alcoholic Drinks Association in partnering with the South Australian Government, Australian Grape & Wine, and the South Australian Wine Industry Association on the Australia-China Winemaker Immersion Program.
It is a critical program which strengthens the professional exchange between the Australian and Chinese wine sectors.
One such example is the recent visit by Chinese winemakers to South Australia for a three-week immersion in the state’s wine industry during vintage, giving them hands-on experience with winemaking and viticulture teams, and engagement with leading research and education institutions.
I understand Treasury Wine Estates is also exploring cross-promotional opportunities linked to China Eastern Airlines’ new direct Shanghai-Adelaide service, scheduled to commence in June 2026, including the potential for Penfolds branding on China Eastern aircraft.
We understand the Chinese wine market is evolving. South Australia remains committed to maintaining and building on our relationship with China through this, and broader global trade headwinds.
The partnerships and opportunities for closer collaboration are critical in navigating these changes.
This roundtable is yet another step in facilitating these relationships, and I thank you for joining us today.