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Wine grape production up 28pc
16 Jan 2004
Wine grape production will increase 28 per cent to 1.81 million tonnes in 2003-2004, according to the Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics. Production fell last season due to the hot conditions and drought affecting yields in most vineyards.
ABARE also said the recent growth in red wines will slow over the next few years, with red wine grape production increasing by a moderate five per cent in the three years to 2005-2006. Shiraz will be the dominant variety produced.
White wine grape varieties, especially chardonnay, are expected to grow 15 per cent to over 703,000 tonnes by 2005-2006.
South Australia will continue to be Australia's largest wine producing state, followed by Victoria and New South Wales. Over 2002-2003, sales of Australian wine rose 15 per cent to 921 million litres. The value of wine exports rose 20 per cent from 2001-2002 to $2.3 billion last financial year.
News.com.au, 15/1/04.
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