Options for wine makers and grapegrowers to find more markets have been up for discussion in recent weeks.
In the Riverland, growers met with federal Trade and Tourism Minister Don Farrell on Wednesday, to chart a path for the future of the sector.
Hosted by industry group Riverland Wine, industry representatives discussed a range of issues with Mr Farrell, including a proposed structuring of trade support for the wine sector, funding for international expansion for the industry, potential export market development grants and the relevance of free trade agreements.
Riverland Wine executive officer Lyndall Rowe said a proposal for structural adjustment and the establishment of and industry reform fund by the federal government warranted serious consideration.
"I thank Minister Farrell for taking the time to sit down with wine sellers and grape growers at our request to better understand the challenges and opportunities currently facing the Riverland wine industry," she said.
"There was consensus in the meetings on the importance of investment, marketing and strategic planning to address challenges and capitalise on opportunities.
"The minister emphasised the need for stabilising relationships with China, particularly regarding trade.
"Despite recent challenges, there was optimism about re-entering the Chinese market.
"He also confirmed that the federal government aims to support regions like the Riverland by exploring alternative and emerging markets such as India."
Representatives of emerging markets India and Vietnam will be in SA next week, visiting key wine regions as part of a four day visit.
Ms Rowe said in the aftermath of China removing its damaging tariffs, the industry needed to strategise on the best ways options for support.
"The Riverland is perfectly positioned to take advantage of global trends among emerging and current wine consumers - from varietal mixes, lighter styles of red and low/no alcohol through to unconventional varietals and blends and environmentally friendly packaging," she said.
"We have the industrial capacity to service rapidly growing markets through our ability to scale up production while remaining competitively priced across a range of categories.
"The critical need for initiatives like the Export Market Development Grant cannot be overstated. Our sales model is intricately tied to the physical presence of our teams on the ground, which emphasises the need for continued support."
South Australian wines will also be on display in France, as part of the 'Via Sensoria' exhibition, running until November at iconic world wine museum, La Cité du Vin in Bordeaux.
Shiraz from South Australian wineries Kalleske, Ochota Barrels, and Patritti are currently available to 'Via Sensoria' visitors, with wines from other producers on route.
The 'Via Sensoria' exhibition features four pavilions, each representing a season, with South Australia's Autumn pavilion offering visitors sommelier-guided shiraz tastings surrounded by autumnal images and sounds to provide a full sensory experience.
Primary Industries Minister Clare Scriven said this partnership ensured South Australian wines could be showcased to thousands of visitors to the centre each year, as well creating a platform for producers to conduct wine tastings, showcase events and contribute to the archive of wine literature available at the museum.
Wine is a significant contributor to South Australia's economy and a key tourism drawcard with the state producing half of bottled wine and more than three quarters of the nation's premium wine. These initiatives are even more important than ever given the significant challenges from the wine industry including global oversupply and changes in market conditions.
Opportunities to take South Australia's wine to new and existing markets around the world, provides the chance to promote the state on the global stage, and attract visitors and larger export numbers to the economy.
Ms Scriven met with representatives from the Bordeaux wine industry on her international mission in August 2023, signing a three-year memorandum of understanding between the South Australian government and Bordeaux's La Cite du Vin.
"The relationship with Bordeaux through our membership of the prestigious Great Wine Capitals Global Network continues bearing fruit, placing our premium wine on a global stage," she said. "Being given the Autumn pavilion at La Cité du Vin's 'Via Sensoria' is a fantastic opportunity to promote our world-class shiraz on the global stage in perhaps the most famous wine region in the world."
Penfolds chief winemaker Peter Gago said it was pleasing to have South Australian wine culture and history "embraced" on such a scale.
"A global showcase of the best of SA Shiraz - over 10,000 miles away in Bordeaux. It doesn't come much better!" he said.
Additional SA wineries set to be showcased in the coming weeks include Anderson Hill, Brash Higgins, Dandelion Vineyards, Heirloom Vineyards, Mitolo, Penfolds, Penley Estate, Pindarie Wines, Redheads Wines, Rymill Coonawarra, Saint-Clar Estate, Thistledown and Yalumba.
As well as South Australian shiraz featured at 'Via Sensoria', Alkina Wine Estate, Patritti and Serafino Wines have also donated different varieties to be showcased in the 'Belvedere' tasting room at La Cité du Vin.
