Market Lane Insurance Group has introduced a new insurance product aimed at addressing the specific needs of small to mid-sized wineries and cellar door operators across Australia.
The package, branded as “Wine Pack,” is underwritten through The Barn Underwriting Agency, a Market Lane subsidiary focused on complex commercial risks.
The move reflects an ongoing trend in the commercial insurance sector toward industry-specific policy offerings. With wineries facing unique exposures tied to production, storage, and seasonal conditions, the Wine Pack is designed to deliver tailored protections that are often absent from standard commercial property policies.
Key features of the package include multi-site coverage to accommodate the varied locations used in wine production and sales.
It automatically provides $50,000 cover for wine removed temporarily from insured premises, along with a $250,000 sublimit for accidental damage incidents.
Clients can extend their coverage to include losses related to spoilage, leakage, and contamination under the business interruption section.
An optional endorsement is also available for damage to vines and trellising infrastructure – elements that are vital to business continuity but often underinsured in traditional policies.
Toby Salmon, director, group head of property at The Barn, said the new offering was developed in response to growing demand for more relevant coverage in the viticulture space.
“This product has been designed specifically for small to medium-sized wineries and cellar doors. It offers a comprehensive solution with a range of winery-specific coverage features and optional endorsements, carefully developed to meet the unique needs of the viticulture industry,” he said.
The policy is fully underwritten at Lloyd’s and supported by The Barn’s local claims team, a factor the company says will help ensure faster response times and direct communication with decision-makers in the event of a loss.
The Barn Underwriting Agency focuses on property and general liability coverages across a range of sectors including agribusiness, boutique accommodation, and food manufacturing.
Its latest move into winery-specific coverage aligns with a broader insurance industry shift toward more granular, sector-aligned underwriting as businesses seek policies that match their risk profiles more closely.
As climate volatility and supply chain uncertainty continue to influence operations in Australia’s wine regions, insurance providers are adjusting their product offerings to deliver more precise, scenario-specific solutions.
