Wine Australia has reported an increase in the average purchase price of winegrapes in its Vintage Report 2016 released this week.

According to the report, across the past 12 months, there was also a six per cent increase in the total amount of grapes crushed for making wine, resulting in an estimated 1.81 million tonnes of grapes.

The average price paid for wine grapes grew by 14 per cent to AUD $526 per tonne across Australia, the highest average price since 2009.

Chief Executive Officer of Wine Australia, Andreas Clark, said it was encouraging to hear reports of quality grapes translating into an increased average purchase price.

“In the last 12 months, we’re seen Australian wine exports grow to AUD $2.11 billion and the strongest growth has been in wines of $10 or more per litre Free on Board (FOB),” Clark said.

“This increased enthusiasm for our fine wines internationally is helping to support a stronger demand for premium fruit in Australia,” he said.

The report shows that the amount of premium fruit sold for more than AUD $1, 500 per tonne increased to account for 7 per cent of the total crush in the year.

Key wine prices

• Red Wine Grapes: The average price paid for red winegrapes increased by 13 per cent to AUD $651 per tonne.
• White Wine Grapes: The average price paid for white winegrapes increased by 12 per cent to AUD $398 per tonne.
• Premium Shiraz: Shiraz costing more than AUD $1, 500 per tonne, increased to account for 7 per cent of the year’s crushed grapes.
• Premium Cabernet Sauvignon: Cabernet Sauvignon costing more than AUD $1, 500 per tonne saw its national average price increase by 17 per cent.
• Red Wine Grapes: The average price paid for red winegrapes increased by 13 per cent to AUD $651 per tonne

Winemakers’ Federation of Australia Acting CEO, Tony Battaglene, said that the Vintage Report 2016 shows the weighted average price for winegrapes have increased over the past two years.

“It’s not uncommon to see peaks and troughs across vintages due to different factors such as fluctuations in demand,” Battaglene said.

“However, this year, there is an increase in pricing for the second consecutive year and an increase in the overall crush, which is encouraging. We need to remain pro-active as a sector to continue to grow demand, particularly in our key export markets of the United States and China,” he said.