HIGH taxes in Asia's key markets that lift wine prices by up to 500 per cent are curbing growth for Australian wine exports, says the chief executive officer of Western Australian-based Sandalford Wines."A focus on Asia's market potential by wine exporters comes against the economic downturn in traditional European and North American markets and moves to rationalise the Australian wine industry," Grant Brinklow said."It is as tough now as it has ever been. I think there are so many factors working against the Australian industry right at the moment," Mr Brinklow said.