Wellbeing support for South Australian wine regions

South Australia’s regional wine communities will receive additional support for wellbeing initiatives as the industry navigates one of its most challenging periods.

As part of the South Australian Government's commitment to supporting the grape and wine sector, $200,000 will be provided to the South Australian Wine Industry Association (SAWIA) to deliver a mental health and wellbeing program during 2026-27.

The Wine Industry Wellbeing Program will improve access to mental health and wellbeing support for winegrape growers, winemakers, their families, regional businesses and communities during a period of structural adjustment in the sector.

Delivered in partnership with SAWIA, the 2026–27 program responds to calls from wine regions at wine industry roundtables, the Riverland Transition and Economic Diversification Think Tank Workshop, and the Mental Health and Wellbeing Workshop for greater wellbeing support. It recognises the significant challenges facing grape and wine businesses.

Decreasing global wine consumption, oversupply, and market disruptions have reduced demand and driven down grape prices. At the same time, prolonged drought and rising production costs, including fuel and fertiliser, have placed further pressure on the viability of grape and wine businesses.

The downturn has far-reaching impacts beyond the farm gate, affecting local businesses, tourism and employment, while placing increasing pressure on the mental health and wellbeing of people living and working in our regions.

The wellbeing program will deliver locally tailored activities designed to meet the unique needs of each regional wine community. Support will be delivered through a series of activities over time, providing assistance, support and community connection where it is needed most.

SAWIA is working with regional wine organisations across South Australia to deliver and build on existing local wellbeing initiatives. The program will also include Mental Health First Aid training, equipping participants with the skills to recognise early signs of distress and connect people with appropriate services.

The funding builds on the South Australian Government-funded Wine Connect program delivered by SAWIA in 2025 to help people across the sector stay connected and supported. It also responds to recommendations from the national viticulture and wine sector working group, South Australian wine industry roundtables, and regional think tanks involving state and local government, industry and community organisations held in 2026.

To strengthen the future of South Australia’s wine industry, Premier Peter Malinauskas recently hosted a forum with key representatives from the state’s wine industry to consider a range of solutions to support the sector through this period of transition and help shape a whole-of-government response.