Three Limestone Coast wineries are among 16 South Australian wine producers being supported to grow their businesses by entering and expanding into the US market.

The campaign is being held through Wine Australia’s US Market Entry Program, with the State Government subsidising 50% of the cost.

Padthaway’s CW Wines, Hollick Estates from Coonawarra and Penola’s St Mary’s Wines will take part in the program delivered by Wine Australia.

It has been created as a 12-month program designed to educate wine producers about the technicalities of the US market, including compliance, marketing, pricing, sales, public relations and logistics.

The program offers both real-world guidance and market introductions with Wine Australia providing advice on how best to approach the US market guiding clients towards like-minded customers in the US who share a wine producer’s vision and market goals.

Minister for Trade and Investment Stephen Patterson said the program would provide participants with insights into one of the largest and most complex wine markets in the world.

 “The United States has a three-tier distribution system and complex laws,” Minister Patterson said.

 “Sixteen producers are receiving a 50% rebate off the cost of participation and will have the opportunity to gain valuable market knowledge, guidance and introductions to key importers and distributors.

“Over the last four years, Wine Australia’s US Market Entry programs have been successful in helping 75% of Australian wineries achieve first orders in the market worth a total value of $2.4m.

“The US Market Entry Program is one of the initiatives under the Wine Export Recovery and Expansion Program which aims to expand business-to-business opportunities for new-to-market companies, brand promotion and wine education for existing brands and international trade visits, when travel is permitted.”