Canada – more famous for poutine than pinot – is now officially South Australia's third largest wine export partner, overtaking the United States and behind only China and the United Kingdom.
A push to boost wine exports to Canada in response to US tariffs has seen a significant increase in sales of SA's most famous produce, with the State Government to build on this momentum with a new trade official to be based in Canada.
It's been nearly 18 months since several Canadian provinces – including Ontario, Quebec and British Columbia – pulled US wine from their shelves in the midst of a trade war with their southern neighbour.
Since then, wine exports to Canada have jumped by more than $24 million in the year to August 2026, and are now valued at $128 million.
The State Government has supported a series of retail promotions throughout Canada, which have seen an uplift in South Australian wine sales across the largest retailers in the country.
South Australia now accounts for 68 per cent of Australia's total wine exports to Canada, exporting 48.5 million litres to the northern nation – up 38.6 per cent – in the year to August 2026.
This result will be further bolstered by the $109 million South Australia Wine Industry Transition and Growth Package, announced last month, which features a suite of measures including government-backed loans, business support, and the appointment of a Wine Industry Coordinator.
The package also includes a $5 million extension of the Global Wine Growth Program, which has supported South Australian wines to be featured across two of Canada's largest wine retailers – the Liquor Control Board of Ontario (LCBO) and the British Columbia Liquor Distribution Branch (BCLDB).
Recently, the state government supported a four-week in-store promotion with the LCBO during July and August, featuring 16 South Australian wines – including Angove, Zonte's Footsteps, Kilikanoon, Two Hands, and Bleasdale – across nine flagship stores, resulting in a 49 per cent uplift in sales during the promotional period.
In addition, more than 75 South Australian wine in-store tasting events were held at BCLDB locations throughout the Canadian summer months.
Canada is an increasingly important strategic economic partner and is our state's eighth largest export market with total SA goods exports to Canada valued at $575 million, an increase of 4.4 per cent.
To further support South Australian export opportunities to Canada, the State Government will establish a new position based in Toronto.
Recruitment will soon start, and the position will help South Australian trade and investment across the country in opportunities such as food, wine, critical minerals and defence. Previously Canada was served from South Australian trade officials in the United States.
Overall, South Australia's merchandise goods exports reached new heights in the last 12 months, increasing by more than $2.2 billion to a record-breaking $18.8 billion. The state's exports grew 13.9 per cent, far surpassing the national average of 5.4 per cent growth.
South Australia Wine Industry Association Chief Executive Inca Lee saidthe result demonstrates both the global reputation of South Australian wine and the agility of the state's winemakers, who have been able to turn market disruption in Canada into strong sales growth.
"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," Ms Lee said.
"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."
Zonte's Footstep director Brad Rey said Canada was a key market for the winemaker.
"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," Mr Rey said.
