April 2025 News & Updates

Wine Victoria Meets with Minister for Economic Growth

Last week, Wine Victoria Chair Dan Sims and CEO Stephanie Duboudin met with the Hon. Danny Pearson, Minister for Economic Growth and Jobs, and Minister for Finance. They provided an update on the commercial outcomes of the Wines to the World Export Grant, shared a snapshot of the current state of the industry, and outlined the key priorities identified by our members to support trade and export growth.

Regional Roundtable & One Sector Plan Updates


Date: 19 May, 2025
Location: Treasury Wine Estates, 161 Collins Street, Melbourne, Level 8

Regional Association Roundtable


10am–12pm: Wine Victoria is hosting a​ regional association roundtable with representatives from regional associations, focusing on regional tourism and events. Speakers will include representatives from Visit Victoria, Wine Victoria, MFWF, and event specialists. Emails have been sent to regional associations.​If you have any queries, please contact Helani Kapi at secretariat@winevictoria.org.au

State Progress Report Meeting – One Sector Plan Update


12pm–4pm: Please join the CEO and chair of Wine Victoria with the CEOs of Wine Australia and Australian Grape & Wine, and their teams to gain insights from them and participate in an open Q&A session.

Meet and network with fellow producers and the committee members supporting you in your wine business. Attendance is free, lunch and refreshments will be provided. Please register below.

Register Here

Sales & Marketing

U.S. Buyers Inbound Visit

Last week, we hosted six US buyers (including two MS) across six regions, meeting with over 33 producers and tasting wines from 48 producers across the state. The trip was co-hosted by Max Allen for the first part and Angus Hughson for the second half, in partnership with Global Victoria.

“Wine Victoria curated an unforgettable journey through some of the state’s most celebrated wine regions. From meeting passionate producers and regional experts to tasting exceptional wines that truly showcase the diversity and quality of Victoria, this experience was nothing short of once-in-a-lifetime.”

– Doug Kim MS, Executive Director of Wine MGM Resorts International

Media: Victoria – cooler than Burgundy? Article by Tamlyn Currin

Last year Wine Victoria hosted UK journalist Tamlyn Currin from JancisRobinson.com Read her first article below.

"Can this southern Australian state compete with Burgundy for cool-climate wines with real personality and sense of place?"

Read The Article

Webinar: Wine Australia Market Update – Japan 2025

Join Wine Australia on 14 April for a 60-minute webinar covering market conditions, opportunities, and upcoming activities. With insights from Austrade and Wine Australia, this webinar will equip wineries and producers with a strong understanding of the Japanese market, trade opportunities, cultural insights, and future activities. This session is perfect for those considering or currently doing business in Japan and looking to establish partnerships.

Register Here

Webinar: Wine Australia Market Update – China 2025

Join Wine Australia on 12 May for an 90-minute webinar exploring the business environment in mainland China. This session will cover opportunities and challenges for Australian wine, local trade and cultural insights, the digital landscape, and upcoming market activities. Presentations by Austrade, Wine Australia, and United Media Solutions will provide valuable insights.

Register Here

Viticulture

19th Australian Wine Industry Technical Conference & Trade Exhibition

From 20-23 July, the AWITC is your one-stop-shop to dive into the latest technologies and techniques in viticulture and oenology. Immerse yourself in the wisdom of renowned experts and ignite your own passion while looking to the future of the Australian Wine Industry.

Register Here

Changes to Planning Requirements for Remote Seller's Liquor Licences

Important changes have been made to the Victorian Planning Provisions, which may benefit those applying for remote seller's licences. As of 14 January, applicants are no longer required to have a planning permit to sell alcohol via phone or internet sales.

To learn more about these important updates, read the full article below.

Learn More

Advocacy


In the past month, Wine Victoria has represented the industry at the following events:

  • Victorian Wine Strategic Plan government review
  • Biosecurity submission to the Department of Agriculture
  • Victorian Wine Strategic Plan steering committee review
  • Drink Victoria Project Control Board meeting
  • Victorian skills advisory consultation – DJSIR
  • Agriculture Victoria cross-sector roundtable
  • Liquor licence meetings – Ministerial advisor and department heads
  • Four working group meetings with industry and Global Victoria for the Victorian Wine Export Grant
  • VicRoads resolution to Melba Highway road closures
  • Emergency Service Volunteers Fund (EVP) advocacy work

Capability Building

Wine Industry Salary & Benefits Report

The 2025 National Wine Industry Salary & Benefits Report, which will be launched in June is a comprehensive report with up-to-date information on salaries and employee benefits across 64 different roles, including winemaking, viticulture, warehouse, sales, finance, marketing, events, restaurant, and hospitality.

SAWIA is seeking your participation in the 2025 National Wine Industry Salary & Benefits Survey, which provides the data we require to develop the report. By taking part, you’ll receive an exclusive discount on the final report.

What’s new in this year’s report?

  • Expanded roles: now includes new positions such as Sustainability Manager, Digital Marketer, and Payroll Officer.
  • Enhanced benefits data: covers modern benefits like work-from-home options and paid parental leave.
  • Simplified participation: a new format for reporting and sharing your data, saving you time and effort.

Take part and access your exclusive discount:

  • Exclusive discount: complete the survey and receive a discount on the final report.
  • Pre-order the report: click here to complete the order form and receive the survey.
  • Survey only: email annelise@winesa.asn.au to receive the survey.

The survey is open for participation until 2 May 2025.

Learn More

Apply Now: Next Crop 2025

Next Crop, a leadership development initiative from Wine Australia, is dedicated to enhancing the capacity and skills of the next generation of leaders in the wine industry. This year, Next Crop will be running as a multi-region program across the Yarra Valley, Mornington Peninsula, and Gippsland. Regarded as a stepping stone program towards Future Leaders, learn more and apply below.

Places are limited, applications close on 6 May 2025.

Apply Now

Key Dates

Upcoming Industry Events