Wine grapes

Western Australia’s wine regions are recognised as some of the best in the world.

The Department of Agriculture and Food, Western Australia works closely with the state’s wine industry to support profitable and sustainable growth by developing new markets and varieties, improving grape and wine quality, vine selections and efficient production systems.

Production is based predominantly on cool climate viticulture and premium wine varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Merlot, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon.

Sales are mainly local and national while international markets are gaining importance. The industry exports about 12% of its wines to more than 60 countries, mainly China, UK, Hong Kong and USA.

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Articles

Saperavi wine grapes in Western Australia

18 December 2013

Saperavi wines have outstanding colour and performed well with both judges and consumers in evaluations in Western Australia.
Barbera wine grapes in Western Australia

28 October 2013

Barbera is an old Italian wine variety that has consistently performed well in trials in Manjimup, Western Australia with wines viewed favourably by wine judges and consumers.
Furmint and Kadarka wine grapes in Western Australia

27 November 2013

The Furmint and Kadarka varieties of wine grapes were identified by the wine industry as having potential for future development of premium Western Australian wine and were planted for evaluation i
Arneis wine grapes in Western Australia

28 October 2013

Arneis is an emerging variety in the Australian wine industry, with commercial plantings established in eastern states.
Alternative wine grape evaluation in Manjimup

16 December 2013

Since 1998 the Department of Agriculture and Food in conjunction with the Western Australian Vine Improvement Association has imported more than 60 new varieties and clones of wine grape material.
Wine grape sensitivity to smoke

22 November 2013

Smoke exposure of grapevines and the development of smoke-related characteristics in the resulting wines is an increasing issue for the wine industry.