The first shipment from two Fleurieu wineries arrived in India last week which is described by the state government as a key milestone as the sector works to grow its trade footprint in the country. 

This is the first time McLaren Vale-based Wirra Wirra and Langhorne Creek’s Metala have entered the India wine market – paving the way for more local brands hoping to export to the country. 

The wineries were supported by state government initiatives designed to help introduce new local wines to India. 

Fittingly, the arrival of the shipments accompanies last weekend’s annual India wine trading event Mumbai ProWine 2023. 

The state government has supported ten South Australian wineries to be represented at the event, a program Wirra Wirra and Metala participated in last year – which led to contracts with Indian suppliers. 

Trade and Investment Minister Nick Champion opened the South Australian exhibit at ProWine Mumbai. 

The event included a masterclass where South Australian wines took centre-stage in a tasting and educational presentation led by respected Indian sommelier and wine educator Nikhil Agarwal. 

There has been a significant reduction in India’s tariffs on some Australian wine under the Australia-India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement, which took effect late last year. 

It is hoped heavily reduced tariffs will support the growth of the state’s wine exports to India, which totalled $9.5 million for year ending September 2023. 

Minister Champion says diversifying export markets is an important step for the industry, which has been hit hard by changed trade conditions with China, pressure on global shipping prices and the impact of COVID-19. 

“Wine consumption in India is expected to nearly double by 2025 – and we want to ensure South Australia is capitalising on that. 

Metala commercial manager Justin McCarthy says India is only just starting to learn about Australian wine. 

“We have a genuine opportunity as an industry to ensure sommeliers, retailers and consumers alike, learn about South Australia’s wine history, our regional differences and our high-quality varietal options in the way we want the story told.”