New Zealand surpasses UK in per capita Australian wine demand

New analysis of international wine export data has revealed the countries with the highest rates of Australian wine consumption, highlighting the significance of wine exports for the Australian economy and naming popular brands in each key market.

Australian wine exports account for close to 60% of the industry's total revenue, which according to recent findings stands at AUD $7.2 billion. The study, compiled by Italian Street Kitchen, sought to map global preferences by measuring wine exports per capita based on legal drinking age and examining Google search data to determine the most sought-after Australian wine brands.

A spokesperson at Italian Street Kitchen said, "Australian wine boasts bold flavours and offers excellent value, making it a favourite choice globally for both casual and fine dining. This data maps the areas that are true fans of one of Australia's most successful and renowned exports, a culinary product the nation can truly be proud of. We're not surprised to see Penfolds repeated in the top 10 - the brand has been loved for over 100 years; they're very established and have many valuable connections in the wine arena."

According to the study, New Zealand ranks as the leading consumer of Australian wine on a per capita basis, with an average annual rate of 9.38 bottles per legal drinking age person.

The New Zealand market favours Penfolds, followed by Jacobs Creek, 19 Crimes, Bay of Fires, and Hardys. The relationship between Australia and New Zealand, facilitated by the Australia–New Zealand Closer Economic Relations Trade Agreement (ANZCERTA), is seen as a contributing factor to the high level of trade between the two nations.

The United Kingdom follows closely behind, showing a yearly consumption rate of 5.33 bottles per adult. Despite the considerable population size and geographical distance, demand for Australian wine among British consumers remains strong. The top choices for UK consumers include Penfolds, 19 Crimes, Bay of Fires, Yellow Tail, Hardys, and Saltram.

Denmark has emerged as another substantial market, with an annual per capita consumption of 5.02 bottles. Value-driven brands resonate in Denmark, with Yellow Tail noted as the leading choice, trailed by Hardys, Penfolds, Giant Steps, Nepenthe, and Beringer.

Commentary from the Italian Street Kitchen study highlights how established brands have remained favourites overseas, reinforcing Australia's reputation for producing consistent and highly regarded wines. The data draws on export volumes, population analysis, and digital demand through search patterns to provide a multi-faceted view of the global market for Australian wine.

To offer guidance for consumers seeking to pair their Australian wines effectively, Giulio Marchese, Group Head Chef at Italian Street Kitchen, commented on how wine selection can elevate dining at home or in restaurants. Marchese said, "When you cook with love, the wine must sing with the food! It's not just about matching, it's about creating harmony like a perfect duet between plate and glass."

He added, "Whether it's red or white depends on the dish! For tomato-based sauces, I say go red, think Sangiovese or Montepulciano. But if you're tucking into our burrata or seafood pizza, a crisp white like Vermentino will make your tastebuds do a little tarantella!"

Marchese continued, "If you're having something rich like our beef ragu, go for a dry red; something bold like a Shiraz to cut through the richness. But if it's seafood or a creamy risotto, a fruity white like Pinot Grigio is perfetto. It's all about balance."

Addressing his personal wine preferences, Marchese shared, "When I'm choosing wines for the table, I will usually go Italian first, but I go local where I can and I'm in Australia and so I do really think Australians are great at wine!"

"For a sparkling start, I love the Cavedon 'Adelia' Prosecco from King Valley as it's fresh, lively, and made with care.

"With seafood or lighter dishes, I love the Chalmers Vermentino from Heathcote. It brings a beautiful freshness with citrus and herbal notes that really make the flavours pop. It's crisp, clean, and very versatile."

"For something deeper, I go for the Amadio Sagrantino from Adelaide Hills. This one's got serious character; it's bold, structured, and full of depth. It's a beautiful match with our wood-fired pizza or a slow-cooked ragu. An Aussie wine with true Italian soul, I say."

The analysis draws on data from Australian government departments and international trade reports, combining statistical and digital insights to assess both actual and aspirational consumption of Australian wine among major international markets.