Australia's wine industry is in crisis as millions of grapevines are being destroyed to tackle overproduction, severely impacting growers and winemakers. Falling global wine consumption, especially of cheaper red wines, has hit Australia hard, exacerbated by shrinking demand from key markets like China.

The heartland of Australia's wine industry, including irrigated areas like Griffith, is witnessing the fallout. Major players like Treasury Wines and Accolade Wines are shifting focus to higher-end products, leaving areas like Griffith struggling as unpicked grapes wither on the vines.

Andrew Calabria, a vineyard owner and winemaker, lamented the end of an era as vineyards are replaced by barren land. Prices for grapes, particularly those for red wine, have plummeted, pushing many growers into financial distress.

To stabilize the market and boost prices, industry experts suggest uprooting up to a quarter of the vines in regions like Griffith, which could mean destroying over 20 million vines across Australia. However, this drastic measure may not fully resolve the oversupply issue.

Consumers' changing preferences towards premium wines, coupled with health concerns reducing alcohol consumption, have further complicated the situation. With China resuming imports, there's hope, but the demand slump remains a significant challenge.

Amid the crisis, some growers are diversifying into other crops like citrus and nuts, while corporate entities are replacing vines with almond trees, signaling a significant shift in the industry landscape.

As the industry grapples with uncertainty, the future of small family grape growers hangs in the balance, with the likelihood of big corporations dominating the sector.

The economic ramifications are profound, with millions of dollars lost, underscoring the urgent need for decisive action and long-term solutions to revive Australia's wine industry.