South Australian Wine Industry Launches Support Program for Small and Family-Owned Businesses

Small and family-owned wine businesses in South Australia will soon have access to a new support program designed to help them adapt to changing market conditions and strengthen their operations. The South Australian Wine Industry Association (SAWIA) has developed the Small and Family Business Program, which will run from 2025 to 2027 across the state’s wine regions. The initiative aims to provide targeted assistance in financial management, digital marketing, and brand storytelling.

The program will offer a combination of workshops and one-on-one mentoring sessions. These are intended to help businesses build more sustainable models, increase sales, and improve connections with customers both locally and beyond. SAWIA plans to release details about the first round of workshops and mentoring opportunities in the coming weeks.

The focus areas for the program were chosen in response to feedback from wine producers and current industry challenges. Financial management training will address long-term business viability, while storytelling workshops will help wineries enhance their brand presence in competitive markets. Digital strategy sessions are designed to help participants expand their sales channels beyond traditional cellar door experiences.

Inca Lee, CEO of SAWIA, said the program was created after listening to concerns from small and family-run wineries about mounting pressures in the industry. “We know the pressure on small and family wine businesses is intense, with market pressures, evolving consumer preferences and a transformed digital marketplace creating major challenges,” Lee said. She emphasized that the program is structured to deliver practical skills that can be immediately applied to real business situations.

Participants will have access to personalized mentoring, working directly with industry experts to develop action plans tailored to their specific goals and target markets. This approach is intended to ensure that businesses can implement new strategies effectively and see measurable results in sales growth and long-term sustainability.

The South Australian wine sector has faced significant changes in recent years, including shifts in consumer behavior, increased competition, and rapid digital transformation. Many small producers have found it difficult to keep pace with these developments while maintaining profitability. The new program seeks to address these issues by equipping business owners with tools and knowledge relevant to today’s market environment.

Registration for the Small and Family Business Program is now open. Interested businesses can express their interest by contacting SAWIA via email at [email protected]. The association expects strong participation from across South Australia’s diverse wine regions as producers look for ways to adapt and thrive amid ongoing industry changes.