Winegrape sales – grower resources

One of WGGA’s main priorities is to help growers with selling their fruit. The following are a number of resources that can help growers to negotiate with grape purchasers.

Guidelines for marketing winegrapes

These guidelines have been produced by WGGA based on conversations with a number of growers from different regions, who have found ways to be successful sellers in a “buyers’ market”. The common theme is finding ways to add value, rather than being a “price-taker”.

Download Improving your winegrape sales in a difficult market: guidelines for growers

Guidelines for negotiating grape supply contracts

Negotiating a contract that is in your best interests can protect you from substantial business risks and will save you from the stress of a dispute later.  WGGA has developed a checklist of questions you should consider, prior to signing a grape purchase agreement.

Download Checklist for growers entering into a grape supply contract

Sample spot purchase winegrape agreement

The Riverland Wine Industry Association has developed a template for a spot purchase winegrape agreement, which can be used as the basis for a contract.

Download sample Spot Purchase Winegrape Agreement in Word format

Download sample Spot Purchase Winegrape Agreement in PDF format

Winery checklist for negotiating grape supply contracts

Negotiating a contract that is fair to both the grower and the winery promotes good long-term relationships and helps ensure the sustainability of the industry sector.  WGGA has developed a checklist of questions for the winegrape purchaser to consider, prior to negotiating a grape purchase agreement.

Download Checklist for winegrape purchasers entering into a grape supply contract

A Guide to Negotiating the Sale of Wine Grapes in the Barossa

This booklet contains comprehensive information for grape growers and grape purchasers relating to all aspects of entering into and working with a grape supply agreement. It aims to assist grape growers and purchasers navigate their way through each stage of a wine grape sale transaction.  The booklet is available from the Barossa Grape and Wine Association.  WGGA members can purchase it at the special BGWA member price of $15 (inc GST).  Ordering details can be found at www.mybookingmanager.com/grapebooklet.

Australian Wine Industry Code of Conduct

WGGA and WFA have developed the Australian Wine Industry Code of Conduct, which sets out the minimum requirements for wine grape purchase agreements.  Check that your purchaser is a signatory to the Code – or if they are not, encourage them to sign up as a demonstrated commitment to a fair negotiation process with you.

Find out more about the Australian Wine Industry Code of Conduct

Download one-page, at-a-glance summary of the Code Dispute Resolution Process

Other resources

Assistance for independent contractors

The federal government has a website specifically developed to provide assistance to independent contractors with all aspects of their business – including contracts.  Visit www.business.gov.au/contractors for more information.

Looking at a Contract?

This checklist for achieving an agreeable grape supply agreement was originally produced by Murray Valley Winegrape Growers’ Inc and is distributed by them and by the Wine Grapes Marketing Board as a starting point for growers looking at entering into contracts.  It covers some different areas from the WGGA checklist and is a helpful supplementary resource.