Trailblazing Australian wine business Munda Wines has been recognised as a finalist in Austrade’s Australian Export Awards in the new category for First Nations exporters.

It’s the first time in award’s 62-year history there has been a standalone category for First Nations businesses, with the winemaker among six finalists.

Since 1963, the Australian Export Awards have recognised the contribution of more than 2000 Australian businesses that have achieved international success across a broad range of sectors, helping show Australia’s world class products, services and people off to the world.

Partnering with grape growers and winemakers, Munda Wines offers a suite of wines that capture the essence of Australia’s most renown wine regions. Each wine is named for the Traditional Country its grapes are grown on, including its 2021 Syrah from Kaurna Country (McLaren Vale), followed by a Grenache from Ngadjuri and Peramangk Country (Barossa Valley) and a Cabernet Sauvignon from the Padthaway wine region (along SA’s Limestone Coast).

Munda has already broken into the notoriously tough Canadian market by building “relationships before revenue”, and is working to tap into the US market next.

Founder and owner Pauly Vandenberg said: “Australia’s global reputation for quality and innovation amplifies our story – but it’s our deep connection to Country that gives our wines their heart, identity, and sense of place.

“International markets are eager to engage with the oldest continuing culture on the face of the planet – it is an incredible point of difference for Aboriginal-led businesses and resonates powerfully with our commercial partners.

“Winning would affirm that Aboriginal-owned excellence belongs at the highest level of Australian trade.”

The category was created to recognise Australia’s First Nations traders as our first exporters who continue to make outstanding contributions to international trade.

Austrade Head of Indigenous Engagement and Export Melanie Harris said: “Australia has a lot more Indigenous-owned businesses exporting to the world than we realise, and a lot more than we even recognise.

“They’re working in a variety of industries and all across the country. The awards are about highlighting the success of Indigenous exporters and recognising the economic impact they’re making.”

She said businesses considering international markets could use Austrade’s Go Global Toolkit. It has a quiz to help businesses assess whether they are export ready and resources to help them get started.

Minister for Trade and Tourism Don Farrell: “This year’s finalists represent the very best of Australian exporters and make a significant contribution to our economy, employ thousands of Australians, and support communities across the country.

“Australian products, services and people are known across the world and that wouldn’t be possible without the businesses that export them to the world.

“I look forward to celebrating the fourteen award category winners and announcing the Australian Exporter of the Year at the 63rd Australian Export Awards National Ceremony in Canberra on 26 November 2025.”

Four Pillars Gin is also a finalist in the awards. Its gins are found in top bars, airports and retailers around the world, with the distiller currently exports to more than 30 countries. Its top export markets are the US, Singapore, the UK, Denmark, China, Taiwan and Thailand.

View the full list of finalists here.