Local wine distributor for small producers
Buy cases from small Australian wineries and deliver them to restaurants, bars and shops in your area.
- A$5k-25k
- Part-time
- Out and about
- Licence or permit needed
Estimates for a small start in Australia, not guarantees.
What it is
You buy wine in cases from small Australian producers who lack a sales team in your city, then sell and deliver to local venues on trade terms. There is no overseas shipping, so it is a simpler and cheaper way into wine wholesale.
Your first three steps
- Contact several small wineries in a region and agree trade pricing for a starter range
- Check your state's liquor licensing body about the wholesale licence you need, and apply
- Build a short list of local venues, book tastings and take the first small orders
Who pays
Local restaurants, pubs, cafes, bars, bottle shops and function venues that want regional wines and a personal service.
How it makes money
You earn the difference between your trade price and what you pay the winery, helped by regular repeat orders from venues. Some producers may agree to a commission or consignment arrangement instead.
Skills that help
- Sales and cold outreach
- Wine knowledge and tasting
- Delivery and route planning
- Invoicing and chasing payments
Watch out for
- Wholesale liquor licensing differs by state and territory, so confirm before you sell or store any wine
- Check your WET and GST obligations, and when you need to register for GST
- Public liability insurance, plus insurance for stock and your vehicle
- Venues can be slow to pay, so set clear trade terms
- Check storage rules, including whether you need licensed premises to hold stock
- Selling and delivering alcohol carries responsible service obligations, so check your state's rules
Deep research report · Australia
Everything you need to start: local wine distributor for small producers
Researched with live web search for Australia: real startup prices, the licences and rules, what others charge, a break-even example, how to find your first customers and a 30-day launch plan. With sources.
- Startup costs with real prices
- Licences, registration and rules
- Pricing: what others charge
- Break-even example
- Finding your first customers
- 30-day launch plan
- Risks and how to reduce them
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to start a wine distribution business in Australia?
Startup costs are typically around $5,000 to $25,000, depending on how much stock you buy and your vehicle and insurance needs. Buying from Australian producers means no overseas shipping, which keeps the entry cost lower.
Do I need a licence to distribute wine to venues?
Check before you sell or store any wine. Wholesale liquor licensing differs by state and territory. Also check your WET and GST obligations, storage rules including whether you need licensed premises, and your state's responsible service rules for selling and delivering alcohol.
How much can a local wine distributor earn?
Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on how many venues you supply and the wines you carry. Venues can be slow to pay, so set clear trade terms from the start.
Other ways to run this business
Similar food ideas
Deli market stall
Sell cheeses, cured meats, dips and antipasto from a stall at weekend markets.
- A$5k-25k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Online grocery with local delivery
Take grocery orders online and deliver a curated range to homes in your local area.
- A$5k-25k
- Part-time
- Own premises
Online meat box delivery
Sell pre-portioned meat boxes online and deliver them chilled to local households, without a shopfront.
- A$5k-25k
- Part-time
- Online
Packaged food maker for shops and cafés
Produce your own sauces, snacks or ready meals in a rented commercial kitchen and supply local retailers.
- A$5k-25k
- Part-time
- Own premises
Seasoning and sauce maker supplying local shops
Make larger batches of seasonings and sauces in a hired commercial kitchen and supply delis, cafes and retailers.
- A$5k-25k
- Part-time
- Own premises
Fresh fish market stall
Sell fresh fish and shellfish to home cooks from a stall at local farmers' and weekend markets.
- A$6k-25k
- Part-time
- Out and about