Canadians crushing on SA wine
South Australia’s wine industry is experiencing strong growth in the Canadian market a year after several provinces pulled US wine from their shelves.
The South Australian Government and the local wine industry, targeted Canada swiftly upon the removal of US wines, with exports to the market rising by more than $24 million in the year to August 2026 to $128 million – making Canada the state’s third largest wine export partner, overtaking the United States and behind only China and the United Kingdom.
“This result demonstrates both the global reputation of South Australian wine and the agility of our winemakers, who have been able to turn market disruption in Canada into strong sales growth,” said Inca Lee, Chief Executive, South Australia Wine Industry Association.
“The state government’s investment through the Global Wine Growth Program has ensured South Australian wineries are visible and competitive in Canada at a time when retailers are looking for alternatives and consumers are willing to try something new.
“We know global conditions remain challenging and competition for consumers is intense, which is why continued investment in export market development and diversification remains so important.”
In March 2025, provinces including Ontario, Quebec and British Columbia, removed US alcoholic beverages from liquor outlets and online platforms in response to tariffs imposed by the United States.
Since then, the South Australian Government has supported a series of retail promotions throughout Canada, with the first activation launching just one month after the tariff decision.
Backed by the State Government’s $5 million Global Wine Growth Program, South Australian wines have been front and centre in two of Canada’s largest wine retailers – the Liquor Control Board of Ontario (LCBO) and the British Columbia Liquor Distribution Branch (BCLDB).
A four-week pop-up promotion with LCBO was held during July and August, featuring 16 South Australian wines, including Angoves, Zonte’s Footsteps, Kilikanoon, Two Hands and Bleasdale, across nine flagship stores.
“Canada is a key market for Zonte’s Footstep, and with the support and focus of the South Australian Government on building awareness of the diversity and quality of South Australia’s wines, it has become a focal point across many provincial markets,” said Brad Rey, Vigneron and Director at Zonte’s Footstep.
“We have benefited from this support immensely, with trade and consumers supporting our wines and experiencing strong sales amid the global pressures our industry is experiencing.”
In addition, more than 75 South Australian wine in-store tasting events are being held at BCLDB locations throughout the summer months in Canada.
The LCBO is a government- run enterprise with more than 690 retail stores in Toronto and across Ontario – making it one of the largest single purchasers of alcohol and wine across in the world.
BCLDB operates 198 retail stores in Vancouver and across British Columbia and serves more than 36 million retail customers each year.
South Australia’s wine exports to Canada are valued at $128 million. South Australia now accounts for 68 per cent of Australia’s total wine exports to Canada, exporting 48.5 million litres of wine to Canada, an increase of 38.6 per cent in the last 12 months.
The South Australian Government recently announced a $109 million South Australia Wine Industry Transition and Growth Package, featuring a suite of measures including government-backed loans, business support and the appointment of a Wine Industry Coordinator.
To further support South Australian opportunities into Canada, the South Australian Government will establish a new position based in Toronto to help South Australian companies access opportunities in food, wine, critical minerals and defence. Until now, companies looking to do business in Canada have been supported by the government’s team located across the United States.