Australian wine exporters and domestic producers are set to see changes following the conclusion of negotiations on the Australia–EU Free Trade Agreement and a new Australia–European Union Wine Agreement.
Under the trade agreement, import tariffs on Australian wine entering the EU will reduce to zero once the agreement comes into force, improving competitiveness in those markets.
The negotiations also address the use of Prosecco. Australian producers will retain the right to use Prosecco as a grape variety name within the domestic market. For exports, Australia will recognise Prosecco as a European geographical indication, with its use on labels to be phased out over 10 years from the date the agreement takes effect.
These arrangements will be implemented through the proposed Wine Agreement, which builds on earlier agreements between Australia and the EU in 1994 and 2009.
The Wine Agreement also includes provisions affecting certification and naming. Australian exporters will be able to continue using existing grape variety names indefinitely, even if they are recognised as European geographical indications in the future.
Other measures include simplified certification requirements, reduced analyte testing, most favoured nation treatment for export certification, and protection for seven additional Australian geographical indications and seven grape variety names.
Wine Australia chief executive officer Dr Martin Cole said guidance will be provided to support the transition.
“Europe is a significant region for Australian wine exporters. In 2025, 245 Australian wine exporters shipped 76 million litres of wine valued at $143 million to EU member markets, representing 12 per cent of total export volume and 6 per cent of export value, with additional wine sent to the United Kingdom and then on-shipped to EU destinations,” Dr Cole said.
“The Wine Agreements between Australia and the EU in the past have helped to reduce barriers for Australian wine exporters, helping to give a competitive advantage in the region and have meant that fewer changes to labelling and winemaking practices are needed in order to sell their wine in the EU.”