Australia harvested approximately 1.43m tons of grapes in 2024, representing a 9% increase from the previous year's 1.31m tons. However, this is still 18% below the ten-year average of 1.73m tons, according to the Vintage Report by Wine Australia.
White grape varieties accounted for 51% of the harvest, totaling 721,519 tons—a 19% increase. In contrast, red grape varieties saw a 1% decrease, with a total of 705,489 tons. For the first time since 2013, Chardonnay, with 332,643 tons (+31%), became the most harvested grape variety, overtaking Shiraz, which dropped 14% to 297,868 tons. Pinot Grigio also showed significant growth, increasing by 27%. This marks the first time since 2014 that more white than red grapes were harvested. Among red varieties, Ruby Cabernet saw a 59% increase, making it the ninth most important red wine variety. Other than these changes, the ranking of the top ten varieties remained consistent. Chardonnay led the white varieties, followed by Sauvignon Blanc (+4%) and Pinot Grigio. Despite its losses, Shiraz remained the top red variety, followed by Cabernet Sauvignon (+2%) and Merlot (+13%).
South Australia accounted for 49% of the total harvest, though this amount decreased by 4%. In Western Australia, the harvest decreased by 10%, while all other regions saw increases. Tasmania reported a record harvest of 16,702 tons. However, the overall increase in harvest volume was primarily driven by significant gains in the warmer inland regions, particularly Murray Darling-Swan Hill and Riverina, both of which had reported extremely low harvest volumes in 2023.
Value trends downward—but not everywhere
While the total value of the harvest rose by 2% compared to 2023, reaching AU$1.01bn (€0.63m/$0.68m), the average value per ton decreased by 5% from AU$642 (€400/US$434) to AU$642 (€382/US$ 415) due to the more substantial increase in volume. This decline in value primarily affected wines from the warmer regions, which represent 72% of the harvest and averaged AU$345 (€215/US$233) per ton.
Conversely, cool-climate wines, representing 28% of the harvest, saw a 1% increase in value, reaching AU$1,531 (€954/US$1,036) per ton. Wine Australia classifies all protected origin regions outside the three major inland areas with over 10,000 tons of harvest as cool or temperate climates. These regions include Tasmania, Margaret River, and McLaren Vale, as well as Barossa Valley.
Bulk wine prices for Australian wines recently increased after China lifted its tariffs. This trend is unlikely to be altered by the relatively low harvest volume in 2024.
Despite the positive impact of the tariff dispute resolution with China, the low harvest volume is partly attributed to many vineyards intentionally leaving grapes unharvested, as suggested by the reduced average value. A comparatively hot, dry summer in many regions and a compressed, challenging autumn are also cited as possible reasons for the lower harvest volume. The pre-spring period from August to October 2023 was the driest three-month period since weather records began in 1900.
Nevertheless, some regions experienced heavy rainfall and flooding, with the overall annual precipitation being above average across the country, except in places like Tasmania where it was below average.
The proportion of grapes harvested from winemakers' own vineyards also varies significantly by region. In Queensland, an insignificant wine region, 92% of processed grapes come from owned vineyards, whereas in South Australia, the purchase rate is 69%. Nationally, only 32% of the harvest comes from owned vineyards.
