On 22 December 2025, the Australian Government announced the mandatory Code of Conduct for Winegrape Purchases (mandatory Code).
The mandatory Code will help improve how winegrape growers and large winemakers do business together.
The mandatory Code aims to:
- improve transparency, fairness and confidence in doing business between winegrape growers and winemakers
- support clearer contracting arrangements
- strengthen dispute resolution processes
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) will be responsible for supporting compliance and failure to deal in good faith may lead to penalties outlined under the Code.
The final code, to come into effect on 1 January 2027, is being developed in close consultation with winegrape growers and winemakers.
By introducing mandatory expectations for conduct, the code will strengthen the industry’s long-term sustainability and support grower viability.
Have your say
The Exposure Draft of the mandatory Winegrape Purchases Code of Conduct has been released.
The department invites you to provide feedback via our Have Your Say platform.
Please submit your response by Friday 9 October 2026.
Queries and feedback are welcome at: winepolicy@aff.gov.au.
Government response to the Emerson Review
Dr Craig Emerson’s Review of regulatory options for the wine and grape sector (the Emerson Review) investigated regulatory options to improve fair trading and competition in the grape and wine sector. The review proposed 14 recommendations aimed at supporting a more sustainable and balanced operating environment for growers and winemakers.
The Australian Government accepts the findings of the review and agrees with its primary recommendation to introduce a mandatory Code.
Winegrape Purchases Code of Conduct Advisory Group
In early March 2026, the Winegrape Purchases Code of Conduct Advisory Group (the Group) was established by the Australian Government to support the development of a mandatory Code.
The Group has provided practical, evidence-based input into key elements of the mandatory Code.
The Group members include:
- Paul Derrico, CEO, Murray Valley Wine Growers
- Jeremy Cass, CEO, Riverina Winegrape Growers
- Amanda Dimas, Chair, Riverland Winegrape Growers Association
- Ashley Keegan, CEO, Food and Beverage Australia Limited
- Anthony Catanzariti, Director of Wine and Grape Sourcing, Treasury Wine Estates
- Brett McKinnon, Chief Technical Officer, Vinarchy
- Brigid Nolan, General Manager, The Wine Group
- Wayne Ellis, Industry Consultant, Ellis Castle Consulting