Zonte's Footstep
Zonte’s Footstep (Zonte’s) is an independent wine producer based in McLaren Vale, South Australia, with grapes also sourced from Langhorne Creek, the Adelaide Hills and the Barossa.
Need
When Zonte’s began its export journey, it faced additional cash flow pressures, including long payment terms, currency fluctuations and seasonal production cycles. Disruption in one of its key markets further highlighted the need for flexible working capital to support ongoing diversification.
Solution
Since 2016, we have supported Zonte’s with finance solutions, including Small Business Export Loans and an Export Line of Credit. These facilities have helped the business fulfil large orders, invest in marketing and grow across diverse international markets.
Established in South Australia’s McLaren Vale and driven by a passion for quality and a mission to make wine part of everyday life, Zonte’s is building a global community of wine lovers, one bottle at a time.
The business name, Zonte’s Footstep, reflects its journey of wine discovery – a journey that became global.
Since its first vintage in 2003, Zonte’s has focused on making wine that's approachable, authentic and easy to enjoy. After establishing a strong domestic presence, the business began expanding globally. Today, Zonte’s exports to Canada, Denmark, the Netherlands, Finland, the United States, Singapore and Thailand.
Exports now account for around 60% of the business’s revenue. Director and Vigneron Brad Rey said Canada remains the largest market, but the business also sees strong sales in Singapore, Thailand, Denmark, the Netherlands and the United States. “Understanding the importance of diversity means export continues to be a business focus,” he said.
Export Finance Australia’s facilities have been critical to our ability to grow sustainably offshore. They give us the flexibility to meet large orders with confidence, invest in marketing ahead of returns, and navigate the time lag between shipping and payment.
Anna Fisher
Director, Zonte's Footstep Pty Ltd
Diversifying globally
Zonte’s export journey began gaining momentum in 2011 with growing orders from Canada’s Liquor Control Board of Ontario. As export volumes and payment terms created cash flow pressures, we provided a Small Business Export Loan, marking the beginning of a long-term partnership that has evolved with the business.
We have since supported Zonte’s through multiple stages of export growth, including several Small Business Export Loans and, more recently, an Export Line of Credit. These facilities have enabled the business to respond quickly to new opportunities and invest in growth.
Director, Anna Fisher said: “As a premium wine producer with a strong presence in international markets, export is core to our business at Zonte’s Footstep. Managing cash flow across different currencies, long payment terms and seasonal production cycles can be challenging, especially when scaling into new regions.
“Having the right financial tools and a mindset of agility are not just helpful, they’re essential to succeeding in export.
“Access to Export Finance Australia’s tailored finance solutions has allowed us to be more responsive and competitive in dynamic global markets.”
The future is export
Like many in the Australian wine industry, Zonte’s was impacted by the introduction of tariffs in China in 2021, losing access to a market that once made up 20% of its business. This, combined with a softer domestic landscape, brought export diversification into sharper focus.
Fortunately, Zonte’s had already established strong foundations in international markets such as Canada, Singapore and Thailand. With our continued support, the business has been able to navigate change and shift its focus to resilient, high-potential regions.
Looking ahead, Zonte’s is exploring new opportunities in Japan and the Caribbean while strengthening its presence in established markets.
“Export is our future. To grow, we need to diversify, which means building on what we’ve established and continuing to explore where our wine can go next,” Brad explained.