With its imports rising 5% by volume to 2.4 million litres representing sales of AUD18.1 million (up 47%), Australia has become New Zealand’s third largest export market for wine. Australians now consumer 13% of all Kiwi exports, behind only the UK and the USA. Overall NZ wine exports increased in 1999/00 by 35% to NZ$168. 6 million and by 15% to 19.2 million litres. Notable in exports to Australia is significant growth in sales of pinot noir and cabernet blends, while sauvignon blanc still represents 62% by volume of exports to Australia. NZ is aiming for its wine exports to reach 40 million litres, valued at over AUD 285 million by 2005, representing 50% of all wine sales. Furthermore, vineyards are being planted at such a rate that the total producing area under vine is likely to reach 13,000 hectares by the 2003 vintage against the present level of 9,750 hectares.
