News

The Australian grape and wine community has lost a tireless leader, contributor, advocate and friend with the death of Colin Campbell OAM last week.

Fifteen talented and driven professionals from across Australia have been announced as the Future Leaders 2019. They will join a growing alumnus of committed individuals ready and willing to drive the future success of the grape and wine community.

Wine producers, with cellar doors attracting visitors to wine regions, may be eligible for Wine Tourism and Cellar Door Grants of up to $100,000 based on sales in the 2018‑19 year.

More wine businesses that are looking to grow their exports and tourist activity will benefit following a $520,000 funding boost to the Growing Wine Exports and Growing Wine Tourism programs.

While the winegrape harvest accelerates across Australia, research at theNational Wine and Grape Industry Centre (NWGIC) is arming grapegrowers and winemakers with increased knowledge about how bunch rot can impact a final wine – and how much is too much.

Now in its eighth year, the China Roadshow 2019 will be engaging a wide variety of wine buyers in a mini trade-fair, master classes and a new-to-market program. The eight-day journey will have Australian wine exhibitors cover 5000 kilometres as they travel across mainland China.

There are 16.4 million Australians eligible to vote in the Federal Election, and 35 per cent of them live in a ‘wine region electorate’.

Japan is a significant market for Australian wine, ranking as the eighth biggest export destination by volume and value. In the 12 months ended March 2019, exports to Japan grew by 16 per cent to reach a record $55 million.

In the year ended March 2019, Australian wine exports increased 5 per cent in value free on board (FOB) to $2.78 billion and decreased in volume 3 per cent to 814 million litres (90 million 9-litre case equivalents).

Australian Chardonnay has enjoyed the sector’s highs and weathered its lows with resilience, and it continues to hold a special place for Australian wine lovers. It remains Australia’s top white variety and second overall behind Shiraz.