A South Australian winery's pursuit to leverage a growing taste for all things First Nations on the export market has proven a great success - with the accolades to match.
Munda Wines, led by proud Wirangu and Kokatha man Pauly Vandenbergh, was the inaugural winner of the First Nations Exporter category at the 2025 Australian Export Awards in Canberra on Wednesday night.
The proudly Aboriginal-owned premium wine company celebrates and shares culture, connection and Country through its unique blends, named after the Traditional lands that produce them.
Mr Vandenbergh, founder and chair of the burgeoning winery, said winning the award affirmed Aboriginal-owned excellence belongs at the highest level of Australian trade.
"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," he said.
Munda Wines had already broken into the notoriously tough Canadian market by building "relationships before revenue" and were now eyeing the US market. Malaysia is another country the wines are available in.
"International markets are eager to engage with the oldest continuing culture on the face of the planet," Mr Vandenbergh said.
"It is an incredible point of difference for Aboriginal-led businesses and resonates powerfully with our commercial partners."
The proud owner said Munda Wines had redefined what Australian wine can stand for.
"We are proving culture, Country and commerce can walk together and open pathways for the next generation of Aboriginal entrepreneurs," Mr Vandenbergh said.
Now in its 63rd year, the Australian Export Awards is Australia's longest running business awards program, celebrating the achievements of exporters and their contribution to the country's economic prosperity.
The growing number and breadth of Indigenous exporters caught the eye of Austrade, which led it to introduce recognition of the growing contribution of Aboriginal enterprise globally by introducing a dedicated First Nations category for the first time in 63 years of the national awards.
Six Indigenous finalists were named in the landmark category - also introduced to recognise First Nations traders as the country's first exporters - Elephant in the Room Consulting (QLD), Aldridge Rail Group (NSW), Ikuntji Artists (NT), Jala Jala (Vic) and Kirrikin (WA).
Munda Wines had gone from strength to strength since releasing its 2021 Syrah from Kaurna Country (McLaren Vale), with grapes from vineyards across Australia intrinsically linked to Country now used in their collection.
The line-up of wines includes a Grenache from Ngadjuri and Peramangk Country (Barossa Valley) and a Cabernet Sauvignon from the Padthaway wine region (along SA's Limestone Coast).
Indigenous Australians minister Malarndirri McCarthy said she was impressed with the depth and breadth of First Nations businesses who were finalists.
"I congratulate Munda Wines for being the inaugural recipient of the First Nations Exporter Award," she said.
"This new award celebrates and showcases the success of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses sharing First Nations culture and expertise with the world, while also supporting local communities.
"This year's First Nations finalists export bush food, art, fashion, rail signals, consulting and coaching services, highlighting the diverse nature of our businesses breaking into international markets and making their mark on the world stage."
More than 370 applications were submitted across eight states and territories, with 95 national finalists chosen ahead of the 2025 awards ceremony.
More information and the full winners list is available at www.exportawards.gov.au.
