Australia's love for beer has sunk to the lowest level since the days of the post-war six o'clock swill.

A more sophisticated approach to drinking is behind the rising popularity of wine, and the shunning of pre-mixed drinks and spirits.

Tim Schwilk, the owner of a Sydney family wine tasting business, certainly thinks so as official figures show beer consumption dropping to the lowest point since 1945 and 1946, when Australian pubs stopped serving patrons at 6pm.

"People are actually drinking to enjoy the experience, enjoy the occasion rather than just to get drunk," the Sydney Wine Centre manager said.

"That may be a bit easier to see in wine.