Wine Victoria News

Friday, 05 February 2016

New top level Generic Top-Level Domains (gTLDs)

Wine Victoria has received the following information regarding the general opening of new top level Generic Top-Level Domains (gTLDs) “.VIN” and “.WINE” on January 27, 2016.

Friday, 22 January 2016

Australia Wine Exports Surge to $2.1 Billion

Wine Victoria is pleased to report the booming growth in wine exports from Victoria and Australia for 2015.

Friday, 22 January 2016

Wine Victoria Response to FARE Study

Yesterday, the Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education (FARE) released a report alleging all members of the alcohol industry target heavy alcohol consumers to drive sales.

Wednesday, 30 September 2015

Update from the Chair - Damien Sheehan

The past month has seen the wine industry make progress on one of our key issues – the Wine Equalisation Tax (WET) Rebate.

Thursday, 13 August 2015

Update from the Chair - Damien Sheehan

In the past month Wine Victoria has remained committed to keeping the ball rolling and keeping our eyes focused on our goals.

Thursday, 13 August 2015

Cellar Door Rebate Guideline updates

The Victorian Treasurer has recently approved new Guidelines for the payment of liquor subsidies to eligible Victorian liquor licensees. The Victorian liquor subsidy scheme enables Victorian wine producers to claim a subsidy on certain retail sales and applications to the use of their own product. It also provides a subsidy for the wholesale sale of low-alcohol wine. The scheme is administered by the State Revenue Office (SRO) The new Guidelines do not make any major changes to the subsidy scheme. The Guidelines reflect: • Updated references to the Victorian liquor licences used to authorise the supply of a wine-maker's own…

Thursday, 13 August 2015

Winemakers Federation of Australia – Industry Issues Survey

On August 28 a wine industry leaders' meeting 'Grape and Wine 2015 – A Focus for Action' will be held in Adelaide with topics focusing on profitability and optimising regional representation. To ensure all industry members and key issues are represented at this meeting the Winemakers Federation of Australia are conducting a Grower and Winemakers Survey. The survey will take only 15 minutes of your time but will have the potential to significantly impact future changes in the industry. Have your say, take the survey here. Survey closes on August 19.

Thursday, 13 August 2015

State Government grants funding available for wine industry

A range of State Government grants are now open for suitable wine industry applicants. This funding is spread across innovation, marketing, tourism, investment and planning programs. Many have uncapped funding available and offer unique business support and guidance to grow your business. Deadlines for these applications range from September 2015 to June 2016. Tourism Victoria: Tourism Demand Driver Infrastructure Program This program provides investment to develop tourism infrastructure. This funding is open to tourism related businesses, investors, local government and tourism associations. This grant has $7 million dedicated to tourism growth over the next four years. Grants are limited to…

Tuesday, 21 July 2015

Wine Victoria cautiously optimistic about increase in export volume, value

Wine Victoria has welcomed new national data showing a rise in the volume and value of Australian wine exports, however remains focused on the need to improve recognition of Victoria's premium wine to help overcome the industry's oversupply issues and enable producers return to a state of profitability. Wine Australia's Wine Export Approval Report 2015 (WEAR) last week showed that the value of Australian wine exports has increased for the first time since 2006-07, rising by 5% to A$1.89 billion. The Winemakers' Federation of Australia (WFA), however last week released the 2015 Vintage Report, revealing a winegrape crush marginally lower…

Thursday, 09 July 2015

International visitors to Victoria increasing

Wine Victoria welcomes the latest International Visitor Survey results, released by Tourism Research Australia, which shows Victoria received 2.1 million international visitors in 2014 – an 8.9 per cent increase on the year prior. Victoria ranked well above the national average, and also fared better than key competitors New South Wales and Queensland. Long-term trends show Victoria is outperforming the two states in growth rates for international visitors, overnight expenditure and visitor nights for the 2008 – 2014 period. Wine tourism is a key component of Victoria's tourism offering. Of Victoria's 800 wineries, 600 have cellar doors and the state…

Thursday, 09 July 2015

Future Leaders program underway

Wine Victoria's new Future Leaders Committee has kicked off its mentoring program and begun planning an industry focused project. The committee has been established to help talented, ambitious people in the Victorian wine industry grow to their full potential, while ensuring sustainable governance by mentoring and training future leaders for board membership. The committee's elected Chair, Joel Pizzini, Production Director at Pizzini Wines says the inaugural forum is a fantastic opportunity to be mentored and learn about important industry issues from some of the most respected senior leaders in Victoria's wine sector. "The activities that we participate in will give…

Thursday, 09 July 2015

China FTA Talk with Wine Australia

Featuring Willa Yang – Regional Manager China, Wine Australia Wine Victoria (WV): Has Wine Australia reconsidered its strategy in China considering the new FTA in this market? Willa Yang (WY): We haven't made huge adjustment to our strategy in China but we hope to put more resources in China to grab the potential opportunities. Our priorities include building the premium image of Australia through promotion of a fine wine culture, growing the Australian wine category through multi-channel development - both on and off premise - and increased engagement with key influencers including trade, media and consumers. WV: When does Wine Australia…

Thursday, 09 July 2015

Update from the Chair - Damien Sheehan

As we enter a new financial year I am proud to look back on all that Wine Victoria has accomplished in the past six months, and feel energised to tackle the work that still lies ahead. In the past month alone, we have met with numerous key stakeholders and moved closer to achieving our industry goals. We recently met with Tourism Victoria to progress the new Victorian Wine Tourism Strategy and ensure that all members will benefit from its implementation. We have also met with the Victorian Government to ensure the interests of the wine industry are considered in the…

Friday, 05 June 2015

Message from the Chair - Damien Sheehan

One week on from the Victorian Government's Meet the Winemaker trade mission, I imagine industry members are revisiting their leads, as the sometimes confronting stage of forging new international business relationships begins. After speaking with a range of regions involved in the program, there was certainly a consensus of promise and potential based on the interest of the buyers who were keen to see our wine and left impressed by the industry's promised diversity and leadership. It has been a long time since I have seen the united and powerful force of the Victorian Wine industry under the same roof…

Friday, 05 June 2015

New survey to combine pricing, crush data

Key Australian wine bodies have joined forces to introduce the combined Wine Sector Survey 2015, which will streamline the annual collection of wine data. The survey will combine data collected annually by the Australia Grape and Wine Authority (AGWA) Price Dispersion Survey, the Winemakers' Federation of Australia (WFA) Vintage Survey, the South Australian Crush Survey and the Murray-Darling / Swan Hill Wine Grape Crush Report. AGWA chief executive Andreas Clark said the fusion of data will save valuable time for wine producers. "AGWA is collecting the information on behalf of all participating organisations and we are broadening the survey to…

Friday, 05 June 2015

Wine Victoria revised Policy Positions available

Wine Victoria's revised stakeholder and policy document is now available on our website. Wine Victoria Chair Damien Sheehan said the document has been revised to reflect the Government's commitments to the industry, and content now focuses clearly on how Wine Victoria and the Government can work together to pave the future for wine in Victoria. "Wine Victoria's advocacy efforts prior to and following the 2014 state election have paid huge dividends for the Victorian wine industry," said Sheehan. "We have since been busy working closely with key ministers and departments to take advantage of the significant trade, export and tourism…

Friday, 05 June 2015

Victorian Government to consult stakeholders on recommended risk-based bushfire fuel management

Wine Victoria has welcomed the news that the Victorian Government will consult stakeholders and communities on bushfire fuel management recommendations made by the Inspector-General for Emergency Management (IGEM). The report, titled Review of Performance Targets for Bushfire Fuel Management on Public Land, was released on May 21 and includes a recommended shift away from a hectare-based fuel reduction target to a risk-reduction target. IGEM has also called for the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning to "continue to develop and employ its capability to predict the smoke effects of planned burning". Wine Victoria has been actively advocating for a…

Monday, 25 May 2015

Meet the Winemaker trade mission launched

Wine Victoria Chair, Damien Sheehan joined the Victorian Minister for Agriculture The Hon. Jaala Pulford, and Victorian Minister for Tourism, The Hon. John Eren for yesterday's launch of the Meet the Winemaker trade mission, held at Scotchman's Hill vineyard near Geelong. The inbound trade mission is the first large-scale trade event held by the Government to promote Victoria's wine industry and will run from 25-28 May 2015. Wine Victoria Chair, and Mount Langi Ghiran General Manager, Damien Sheehan said Victoria's winemakers have received international recognition through iconic offerings such as Chardonnay and Shiraz. "It is less well known by our…

Thursday, 30 April 2015

Wine Victoria to work with state government on $1m tourism plan

Wine Victoria, the peak body representing the interests of the Victorian wine industry, will work closely with the state Government to roll out a $1 million investment aimed at boosting Victorian wine tourism and exports. The $1 million plan was announced today by Minister for Agriculture and Regional Development, the Honourable Jaala Pulford, as part of the government's 2015-16 budget. The plan includes the establishment of a Wine Industry Ministerial Advisory Group and funding to develop a Victorian Wine Tourism Strategy. Wine Victoria Chair, Damien Sheehan welcomed Minister Pulford for her announcement at Mount Langi Ghiran Winery in the Grampians, where…

Wednesday, 22 April 2015

Wine business seminars – how to buy, sell or invest

Finlayson's upcoming Wine Roadshow XXIII event will feature a seminar to help wine business owners answer the tough questions when looking for an investor or buyer. For businesses needing capital to go the next level or for those looking to retire, the seminar will ask: Where do I find a buyer or investor? How do I make my business attractive to investors and buyers? How do I optimize the financial outcome and what are the tax implications? Session topics are:1. How to find a buyer or investor and a broker's tips for achieving the best result.2. How to make yourself…

Wednesday, 22 April 2015

Mergers result in fewer Australian wine companies

Recent figures from industry publisher Winetitles shed light on the number of new wine companies, amalgamations and businesses ceasing to operate in Australia. The Australian wine industry has gained 103 new wine companies, yet for the first time in three decades has shown a net loss in the overall number of companies, according to the latest Australian and New Zealand Wine Industry Directory (WID). The directory lists 2,481 Australian companies who commercially sell their wine. The rampant growth in the number of wine companies reached a peak in 2014. In 2015, the Directory shows a net loss of 92 wine…

Wednesday, 22 April 2015

Ross Brown joins regional development advisory board

As part of the Labor Government's independent review of regional development, a team of regional leaders from across Victoria has been assembled to identify key priorities for the development of regional Victoria. Mr Ross Brown, executive Director of Brown Brothers, and a Wine Victoria Board member, has been selected to join the advisory board. Minister for Regional Development, The Hon. Jaala Pulford says the review will focus on best means to drive jobs, investment and growth for regional Victoria. The board will consult widely with regional stakeholders, clients and communities to identify key priorities for each region and the major…

Tuesday, 21 April 2015

April Update from the Executive Officer – Rachael Sweeney

It has been a busy start to the first quarter of 2015. The change of Victorian government has given us lots of opportunities to put wine back on the agenda and highlight the many benefits of a profitable Victorian Wine industry. Over the next four years, we aim to work with the new Andrews Government on their many pre-election commitments. The Key Ministers who will represent the interests of the Victorian wine industry are as follows: • The Hon. Daniel Andrews – Premier of Victoria• The Hon. Jaala Pulford – Minister for Agriculture, Regional Development• The Hon. John Eren –…

Tuesday, 21 April 2015

Full steam ahead for “Meet the Winemaker”

In May 2015 the Victorian Government will host international delegates on an inbound 'Meet the Winemaker Trade Mission.' Up to 100 buyers from across the globe have been invited to attend and will visit regions including Rutherglen, King Valley Yarra Valley, Bendigo, Heathcote and the Mornington Peninsula. The inbound mission will contribute to the process of cementing Victoria's status of as a producer of new world premium wine. An important event in the mission schedule will be the Wine Showcase, where a variety of Victoria's wine producers will gather to promote their premium, export-ready wines. The event is a targeted…

Tuesday, 21 April 2015

Wine Victoria welcomes first Future Leaders

The first intake for Wine Victoria's Future Leaders Committee has been confirmed. Congratulations to the following successful applicants: • Aaron Drummond – National Sales & Marketing Director, Rathbone Wine Group• Angela Brown – Director/Owner/Sales and Marketing Manager, Peter R. Brown Family Vineyards• Isaac Lowrie – Legal Counsel, Treasury Wine Estates• Joel Pizzini – Production Director, Pizzini Wines• Katherine Brown – Brand Manager, Brown Brothers Milawa Vineyard• Michael Dal Zotto – CEO/Chief Financial Officer/Chief Wine Maker, Dal Zotto Wines• Rory Lane – Managing Director/Winemaker, The Story Wines• Simon Flood – Cellar Door and Customer Service Manager Tarrawarra Estate The Future Leaders Program…

Tuesday, 21 April 2015

Call for survey contributors

Want to have your voice heard? Wine Victoria is calling for volunteers to form a representative sample of the wine industry to regularly contribute to the formation of industry policy. Volunteers will be required to complete surveys and participate in workshops, likely to be no more than twice a year. The intention for building this database of volunteers is to ensure that the qualitative and quantitative information gathered in our surveys reflects the wider profile, vision and views of the industry. Volunteers will be considered on the basis of company size, regional/geographical spread, demographics such as age and gender, and…

Wednesday, 26 November 2014

China-Australia trade deal set to supercharge Victorian wine industry

Wine Victoria welcomed news of a breakthrough free trade agreement between Australia and China. Wine Victoria Chair, Damien Sheehan, said removing the import tariff will open up more opportunities for Victorian wine exporters tapping into the burgeoning Chinese market. "A free trade agreement like this is encouraging news for Victorian and Australian wine producers, who have been facing ongoing oversupply issues for several years now," said Mr Sheehan. "We also face stiff competition with international wine suppliers, so increased access to one of our crucial markets really adjusts the playing field for Victorian winemakers, who are known for producing premium…

Monday, 24 November 2014

Wine Victoria welcomes plan to grow wine tourism and exports

Wine Victoria today welcomed the Labor Party's pre-election announcements to invest in the Victorian Wine Industry through key policy areas including tourism, international exports, biosecurity and regional job creation. Wine Victoria chair Damien Sheehan said the commitments are an excellent example of what the association has been recommending to both parties during the state election campaigns. Shadow Minister for Regional and Rural Development Jacinta Allan today announced a $1 million plan, which includes: • dedicated funds to boost cellar door visits with the creation of a Victorian Wine Tourism Strategy; • a fund to support wine exports by growing overseas…

Friday, 21 November 2014

New Regional Council: Beechworth Vignerons Association

Welcome to the Beechworth Vignerons Association (BVA), which joins Wine Victoria from North-East Victoria as our latest Regional Council, represented by Barry Morey of Sorrenberg Vineyard. With vines first planted around the 1850s, the era for wine in Beechworth didn't really begin until Smith's vineyard began planting on the outskirts of town in 1978. Beechworth made strides as a wine region with wineries such as Giaconda 1982, Pennyweight 1983, and Sorrenberg 1985 strengthening its reputation in the Victorian wine industry.Initially established in 1999, the BVA was made up of 14 members. Now headed by chair Barry Morey, it is expected…

Friday, 21 November 2014

New Board Member profile: Roger Sharp – Treasury Wine Estates

Wine Victoria extends a warm welcome to new Board member, Roger Sharp of Treasury Wine Estates. With a goal of making a real difference in the wine industry, Roger plans to leverage his position as Director Group Corporate Affairs to help Wine Victoria showcase the very best of Victorian wine. "I believe we can do great things for both the Victorian and wider Australian wine industry," he said. Roger believes we must tackle threats to the future of Victorian wine head on, particularly from those who try to overly restrict industry's license to operate and sees plenty of opportunity when it…

Friday, 21 November 2014

Educating China, access via Hong Kong

A Wine Victoria 2014 Annual General Meeting presentation by Kandy Xu, Director Australian Kensington Wines and President of Chinese Wine Association of Australia (CWAA) reiterated the need to educate Chinese wine buyers in order to gain traction in export sales. Translation is perhaps an underestimated sales tool for the burgeoning Chinese market, and language barriers could be overcome by solutions as simple as translating winegrower magazine stories to build up knowledge of Victoria's diverse wine regions. Online tools were also suggested, including creating a wine brand website in Mandarin, using Weibo or Wechat. "The individual wine regions in Australia are not…

Friday, 21 November 2014

Wrap up of Wine Victoria AGM

The recent Wine Victoria AGM examined topics ranging from initiatives for educating our future industry leaders, insider tips on accessing China and Hong Kong wine markets as well as the financial viability of the Wine Victoria. Wine Victoria Treasurer Ross Wilson highlighted the future potential of Wine Victoria as the state's peak advocacy body, if the current financial stresses of the association were overcome with a stronger membership committement. "Given the income that Wine Victoria was operating on over the last year, the association proved itself to provide an incredible amount of work for a relatively small amount of funding,"…

Friday, 21 November 2014

State Election – Commitments to the Wine Industry

Wine Victoria's recent advocacy has involved briefings with MPs and Ministers, senior advisors and other political stakeholders over the months leading up to this week's election. Our meetings allowed us to brief our stakeholders on Wine Victoria's policy positions and industry priorities including Trade and Export, Tourism, Cellar Door Subsidy, and Wine and Health. The table below outlines both parties' commitments towards Wine Victoria policies thus far. POLICY Wine Victoria's recommendation Liberal Labor Trade and Export » Creation of a Wine Export Fund Fund to be used for inbound trade related activities run in partnership with industry experts such…

Friday, 21 November 2014

Uncorking Victoria’s future – Update from the Executive Officer, Rachael Sweeney

As you will be aware, this weekend Victoria will decide who will represent us in the 59th Victorian Parliament. A reminder to our members and those thinking of joining us that Wine Victoria has been actively briefing Victoria's political candidates. We have had many conversations on the industry's current challenges and what a prosperous and sustainable future for the wine industry might mean for the State. This year we have worked hard to deliver the message that the wine industry is sitting on barrels of uncorked potential. We have emphasised that our industry offers a healthy employment circle, has huge…

Friday, 21 November 2014

Chair's 2014 wrap up - Damien Sheehan

Thanks to our members who attended the Wine Victoria Annual General Meeting (AGM) last week, the event was a great chance for the industry to wrap a busy year for Wine Victoria. As part of my Chair's report, I provided an update on the progress we've made in building a close working relationship with the Victorian Government in 2014. In the past year, through ongoing consultation with our members and wider stakeholders, we have achieved a consolidated industry position on five priority areas for election lobbying – trade, tourism, environment, tax, and wine and health. As a result of closer…

Monday, 20 October 2014

AWRI's RD&E Plan 2013-2018

The AWRI's Research, Development and Extension plan for 2013-2018 is the blueprint for the AWRI's activities up to 2018. It details 50 projects, grouped under 17 theme headings. The plan was developed through a wide-ranging industry consultation process. The plan provides a starting point and a clear direction; over time it will evolve in line with emerging opportunities, changes to industry priorities and needs, and available funding. It formally commenced on 1 July 2013. Industry feedback on the plan throughout its life is welcomed and actively sought. The themes and projects within the plan align with broad priorities…

Wednesday, 24 September 2014

Wine Victoria Policy Priorities - Brochure

Wine Victoria has been working hard to strengthen our partnership with the Victorian Government, and as such we are pleased to present our new Policy Priorities brochure

Wednesday, 24 September 2014

Introducing the Hon. Patrick McNamara – Wine Victoria Board

Several new board members have recently been appointed to the Wine Victoria (WV) Board. In this newsletter we meet the Hon. Patrick McNamara. Hon. Patrick McNamaraFormer Deputy Premier of Victoria

Wednesday, 24 September 2014

Tourism – an update from The Hon Louise Asher MP

Victoria's incredible food and wine offering forms a centrepiece for its tourism strategy, and the biggest growth to regional tourism over the next ten years will come from Victorians travelling in their own state. To capitalise on this, I launched Victoria's Regional Tourism Strategy 2013-2016 in December 2013 to stimulate tourism in regional Victoria so that it will share the economic benefits of the growing tourism market.

Wednesday, 24 September 2014

Tourism – an update from Mr John Eren MP

Wine enthusiasts need look no further than a visit to Victoria. This November sees the 13th Toast to the Coast, a major festival saluting more than 25 wineries from across the Geelong region that showcases their premium wines.

Wednesday, 24 September 2014

AWRI Board Nominations

Nominations are sought for three levy payer-elected Director positions on the AWRI Board, which will become vacant on 31 December 2014.

Wednesday, 24 September 2014

Property Identification Codes

If you're a grape grower with more than 0.5ha vines, you are required by law (Plant Biosecurity Act 2010) to apply for a Property Identification Code (PIC).

Monday, 15 September 2014

The future of Australia’s grapevine foundation assets: it’s in your hands

Wine Grape Growers Australia (WGGA) has released a draft business plan for the future management of Australian grapevine collections and is seeking industry feedback on the recommendations before they are presented to the Joint Policy Forum of WFA and WGGA.

Wednesday, 27 August 2014

WGGA announces Ben Rose as new Executive Committee representative

Wine Grape Growers Australia is pleased to announce the appointment of Ben Rose as the new Victoria (outside Murray Valley) / Tasmania representative on the WGGA Executive Committee.

Friday, 25 July 2014

Update from the Chair - Damien Sheehan

This month we welcome to the Board four new members who bring with them a wealth of experience and expertise across the areas of government relations and politics, tourism, industry communications, winemaking and viticulture.

Friday, 25 July 2014

Update from the Executive Officer - Rachael Sweeney

As Victoria moves closer to the state election in November, Wine Victoria has been working with our membership and stakeholders to understand the ways we can partner with the Victorian Government to increase the profitability of the Wine industry.

Friday, 25 July 2014

A message from The Hon Louise Asher MP

Over the coming decades, Asia's demand for food will double and consumer preferences will change. Victoria will have a distinct advantage in meeting those demands because of our reputation for safe produce, our long record of excellence in agricultural research and innovation, our skilled workforce and our close ties with Asia. As such, the Victorian Government is specifically concentrating on China, India, the Gulf States and South East Asia.

Wednesday, 23 July 2014

A message from The Hon Jacinta Allan MP

The expansion of Victoria's wine industry has underpinned the growth of our regional economy. Already, many Victorian winemakers have a footprint in parts of China. They have forged relationships that, in turn, have opened doors for others in the industry.

Tuesday, 22 July 2014

The Australian Grape and Wine Authority (AGWA)

It's early days for the Australian Grape and Wine Authority (AGWA) – the Board that was appointed on 30 June is meeting soon for the first time, and I'm honoured to be appointed Acting Chief Executive Officer to lead AGWA during its early stages. I look forward to working with all levy payers and our partners, such as the State and Regional Associations.

Tuesday, 22 July 2014

New Wine Victoria Board Member - Ms Angie Bradbury

In the past few weeks, several new board members have been appointed following the Wine Victoria (WV) Board meeting. Please welcome Roger Sharpe, Angie Bradbury, Richard McIntyre and Patrick Gambie. Over the next few WV newsletters, we'll be profiling each of them. In this newsletter, we meet Angie Bradbury.

Monday, 21 July 2014

Best's Patriarch, Viv Thomson Receives OAM

Best's patriarch Eric Vivian "Viv" Thomson has been recognised for his services to the wine industry by being awarded an Order of Australia Medal in the General Division as part of this year's Queen's Birthday Honours. He's one of 570 deserving recipients.

Tuesday, 27 May 2014

Update from the Chair - Damien Sheehan

One of Wine Victoria's key aims in 2014 is to increase our engagement with government. This year is particularly important as the upcoming election this November presents an opportunity for the wine industry to put its case forward and to seek support and answers from the next government across each of our policy areas.

Monday, 26 May 2014

Update from the Executive Officer - Rachael Sweeney

At the 2013 Annual General Meeting, Wine Victoria launched its 2014 Action Plan. An important part of this plan was to develop industry priorities associated with 'Export' and 'Tourism'.

Monday, 26 May 2014

Privacy Laws

On 12 March 2014, changes to the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) took effect. These changes have been described as some of the biggest in the history of privacy law in Australia.

Monday, 26 May 2014

Wine Victoria Welcomes State Budget

Wine Victoria has welcomed the State Government's budget commitment to the wine industry, which comes at a critical time for winemakers.

Sunday, 25 May 2014

Cellar Door Rebate

The State Government has confirmed as part of the budget process to recommit funding for the cellar door rebate following recommendations by Wine Victoria.

Sunday, 25 May 2014

Vintage 2014

Vintage 2014 - a wrap up of how the industry is faring around the state.

Sunday, 25 May 2014

Restaurant Australia Needs Your Help

Restaurant Australia needs your stories! Help to promote Victoria's culinary tourism experiences to the world.

Sunday, 25 May 2014

Federal Budget 2014

Then new Federal Government has released their first budget and to the relief of many in the industry they have not increased wine taxes. The Winemakers' Federation of Australia stated that common sense had prevailed in Canberra.

Tuesday, 04 March 2014

Update from the Chair - Damien Sheehan

While the waters continue to swirl around wine tax reform and the application of the WET rebate, the Australian Tax Office (ATO) is stepping up its campaign to rid the industry of tax rorting. In a widely reported announcement, the ATO called in the Australian Federal Police to investigate particular claims with a view to imposing criminal sanctions.

Tuesday, 04 March 2014

Update from the Executive Officer - Rachael Sweeney

Welcome to 2014, a year which promises to be a busy one for Wine Victoria and its members.

Tuesday, 04 March 2014

Survey - Tell Us What You Think

The Victorian wine industry has been facing some challenging times in recent years. This issue was highlighted in the 2013 inaugural Wine Victoria (WV) survey which found almost 65 per cent of respondents did not make a profit in the 2011-12 financial year. Further analysis undertaken by the WV Board found this could be closer to 90 per cent.

Tuesday, 04 March 2014

Victorian Food and Wine Tourism Council

Late last year the Victorian Minister for Tourism and Major Events announced the new appointees for the Victorian Food and Wine Tourism Council (VFWTC).

Tuesday, 04 March 2014

Q & A with Natalie Pizzini - Victorian Food and Wine Tourism Council Member

This month we asked Natalie Pizzini for her views on the wine industry and goals during her time on the Council. Here is what she had to say.

Tuesday, 04 March 2014

Q & A with Simon Napthine - Victorian Food and Wine Tourism Council Member

This month we asked Simon Napthine for his views on the wine industry and goals during his time on the Council. Here is what he had to say.

Tuesday, 04 March 2014

Wine Victoria Board Member - Ross Wilson

Ross Wilson has had a long and successful career managing some of Australia's most successful corporations.

Tuesday, 04 March 2014

Grampians Great Escape Wine and Food Festival 2014

The Grampians Grape Escape Wine and Food Festival will be held on 3- 4 May 2014. It will also be supported by a number of umbrella events held at locations throughout the Grampians and neighbouring regions beginning 8 April.

Friday, 14 February 2014

Assessing Smoke Taint Risk

Over the past week, the AWRI has responded to many enquiries about the presence of smoke across wine regions. Some producers are understandably concerned about whether the presence of smoke will lead to smoke taint in their grapes and resultant wines.

Tuesday, 10 December 2013

Kym Ludvigsen - A Tribute

Last week, the Australian wine industry lost one of its strongest advocates, Kym Ludvigsen.

Sunday, 17 November 2013

Update from the Chair - Damien Sheehan

It is with great pleasure that I write my first update as Chair of Wine Victoria.

Sunday, 17 November 2013

Update from the Executive Officer - Rachael Sweeney

At our industry consultation session in October the future of Wine Victoria was very unclear.

Sunday, 17 November 2013

Farewell and Thank You

It is with sadness that we farewell two of our Board members, Mr George Mihaly and Ms Liz O'Connell.

Sunday, 17 November 2013

Winemakers’ Federation of Australia releases actions for industry profitability

The Winemakers' Federation of Australia (WFA) has released their final 43 actions to address profitability of Australian wine businesses with growth in both domestic and export markets.

Sunday, 17 November 2013

Wine Victoria Board Member - Ross Brown

Ross is the Executive Director of Brown Brothers Wineries. Having joined the family run business in 1970, he was Chief Executive Officer for 10 years before taking up his current role in 2011.

Sunday, 17 November 2013

A vision for wine

The Viticultural Society of Victoria recently announced the release of 'A Vision For Wine', a detailed history and insight into Australia's oldest wine industry society.

Sunday, 17 November 2013

Merger legislation re-introduced

Legislation was re-introduced into Parliament on 14 November to create a single, statutory authority to support Australia's winemakers and wine grape growers.

Sunday, 17 November 2013

Food taskforce to boost exports to growing Asian markets

Wine Victoria Board member, Mr Ross Brown is one of 15 people to be selected by The Hon. Dennis Napthine to sit on a food taskforce to boost exports to growing Asian markets.

Sunday, 17 November 2013

Grape Grazing Festival returns to the Yarra Valley

After five years, the iconic Grape Grazing Festival will return to the Yarra Valley in February 2014.

Thursday, 31 October 2013

Update from the Chair - Stephen Strachan

In October Wine Victoria (WV) hosted invited stakeholders at an industry consultation session to discuss the future of WV. At this forum the Board identified that a new WV governance, membership and finance model is required if the association is to survive in the long-term.

Thursday, 31 October 2013

Update from the Executive Officer - Rachael Sweeney

Wine Victoria (WV) recently hosted the Winemakers Federation of Australia and industry representatives at a consultation session to discuss the Federation's 'Proposed Industry Actions for Sustained Profitability'.

Thursday, 31 October 2013

Tourism Victoria - Wine Regions Guide and App

Tourism Victoria has released their latest edition of the Wine Regions of Victoria Guide.

Thursday, 31 October 2013

Honorary Solicitors for Wine Victoria

Corrs, Chambers and Westgarth (Corrs) has been named honorary solicitors for Wine Victoria. Chosen for its proven record in wine law, Corrs delivers expert legal advice specifically for the wine industry.

Thursday, 31 October 2013

Wine Victoria Board Member, Damien Sheehan

Damien is a qualified viticulturist who has worked in the wine industry since 1991. He is currently the General Manager and Viticulturist at Mount Langi Ghiran. Previous industry roles have included Chair of the Viticulture Sub-Committee of the Victorian Wine Industry Association and member of the Steering Committee of the Viticulture Market Order (IDC). Damien is currently Chair of the Victorian Viticulture Biosecurity Committee, member of the Joint Governance Committee for the Victorian Node of the Australian Wine Research Institute and co-chair of the Industry/DSE Forum (Fire Management).

Thursday, 31 October 2013

Savour Australia 2013

More than 750 of the world's leading wine trade professionals including retailers, sommeliers, importers, distributors, wine media and Australian wine producers had their palates opened to Australia's best at the biggest Australian wine forum ever staged - Savour Australia 2013.

Thursday, 31 October 2013

AWRI Wanted: Samples for fungicide resistance testing

Are you experiencing problems controlling powdery mildew, downy mildew or Botrytis bunch rot? Samples of these diseases are needed from the main wine regions of Australia.

Tuesday, 10 September 2013

Nominations open for AWRI Board positions

Nominations are sought for three Levy Payer-elected Director positions on the AWRI Board, which will become vacant on 31 December 2013. The AWRI's Constitution provides that there will be not less than seven nor more than 11 directors. Six of those directors are nominated and/or elected by organisations that pay the Wine Grapes Levy. Nominations close on Friday, 27 September 2013 at 5:00 pm.

Thursday, 05 September 2013