Fine wine key to US market growth

The United States was the top destination for bottled Australian wines by value at $369 million and for exports by volume at 108 million litres in the past 12 months.

And the price points which experienced the most growth were at the higher end of the market - A$17-$20 wines rose by 184 per cent, while A$20-$30 wines rose by 39pc.

"What you have is exactly perfect," Ms Slade said. "We're going for premium growth, and we're going in the right direction."

Ms Slade - speaking at a Wine Australia North American wine industry update at Chateau Tanunda on Monday - said Canada and the US were the two critical export markets for Australian wine.

"In both we have a very strong consumer and trade base, and a long history of supporting Australian wine."

She said the US market was in a "rebound" phase.

"We're reengaging with the category at a more premium price point, telling our premium, regional and diverse stories," she said.

"We're looking at raising and having our higher price points, and letting regions like the Barossa be able to showcase their fine wine story."

Solid partnerships with the Canadian liquor boards were responsible for a "very strong" retail component.

"But we're trying, similar to the US, to lift that regional premium fine wine story," Ms Slade said.

"And that seems to be getting some traction but it's a slower recovery and it's a smaller market share, so it's going to take a while - but we're in this for the long haul."