August 2024 News & Updates
Victorian Wine Industry Strategic Plan
We’ve just wrapped up the five regional workshops for the Victorian Wine Strategy, and the feedback has been fantastic! But there’s still time to get involved—join us for our final two online forums:
Online Forum 1: Wednesday 28 August at 2pm via Zoom
Online Forum 2: Friday 30 August at 9:30am via Zoom
This is your chance to share your insights and help shape the future of Victoria’s wine industry. We’re especially eager to hear from new, young, and emerging wineries and brands. The strategic plan is being delivered by Agriculture Victoria in partnership with the Victorian wine industry.
Don’t miss out on this opportunity to make your voice heard and contribute to the strategy that will guide our industry forward, register below for our final two sessions.
Sales & Marketing
Victorian Wine Export Program
Wine Victoria is running a two-year export program across the UK, US, China, and Asia, supported by Global Victoria. If you are interested in keeping updated with the latest news and learning how you can get involved, you can learn more below or register here.
China Market Webinar: Overview, Market Entry & Expansion with Nimbility Asia
Join us to gain valuable insights into the current Chinese market, opportunities within the premium wine sector, and strategies for successful market entry and expansion, hosted by market entry specialists Nimbility Asia.
China Market Webinar Series: Navigating eCommerce & Social Media in China
This series, consisting of 10 online workshops will be hosted by industry experts Brand Catalyser, and will offer Victorian Wineries a comprehensive understanding of the Chinese e-commerce and social media landscapes.
Japan New to Market Wine: Masked Tasting Project
Global Victoria is partnering with Austrade to promote new-to-market Australian wines in Japan. EOIs are open for Victorian wineries wishing to participate in a masked tasting of new-to-market wines by 3 professional Japanese tasters, to be held in Tokyo in October 2024. Applications close 30 August, 2024.
Joe Wadsack, BBC's Resident Drinks Expert Visits Victoria
Joe Wadsack, the BBC’s resident drinks expert and owner of The Drinks Coach UK on YouTube, has been visiting Victoria this month. With the support of the export program and Global Victoria, Joe has visited Rutherglen, Nagambie, Goulburn, Heathcote, Macedon, Yarra Valley, and the Mornington Peninsula.
Advocacy
In the last month Wine Victoria has provided submissions for:
- NT CDS scheme consultation
- Victorian Government Circular Economy (Waste Reduction and Recycling) (Mandatory Service Provision and Other Matters) Regulations 2024 and proposed Household Waste and Recycling Service Standard 2024.
And has represented the industry at:
- Tim Pallas MP hosted reception with Victoria’s Trade and Investment commissioners
- Meeting with Agriculture Victoria CEO Beth Jones
- Victorian Wine Strategic Plan regional forums and sponsor group meetings for the strategy with Dept of Agriculture and agency Atticus Now.
- Agriculture Victoria cross sector roundtable
- One Sector Plan launch – AGW and Wine Australia
- Wine Australia Annual Regional Program planning meeting
- Drink Victorian Project Control Board meeting
- DEECA, CFA and FFMA planning session
- AWIT Outlook Conference subcommittee planning meeting
- AWRI Advanced Viticulture Course Victoria planning meeting
Viticulture
Diploma of Viticulture & Diploma fo Wine Technology with GOTAFE
Whether you're just starting out as a boutique winery owner or want to formalise your skills with a qualification in viticulture, GOTAFE has a course to suit your ambition.
Learn from industry experts and cultivate a network of local connections and fellow wine enthusiasts who will support you to achieve your dream. Currently taking September enrolments.
Capability Building
2024 Australian Women in Wine National Symposium in Hobart
The one-day symposium will unite women from across the wine industry for a day of learning, connection, and empowerment. Experts will share their insights and experiences on what it truly means to invest in women. Attendees will gain valuable knowledge to navigate their careers and enhance their businesses. The theme of the day is "Investing in Women for the Betterment of Australian Wine."
Rural Women's Network's 2024 Leadership & Mentoring Program
The 2024 Leadership & Mentoring Program is now open for applications. The three-day immersive program aims to address the underrepresentation of women in agricultural leadership roles. All study and accommodation costs will be covered for successful participants to undertake the program.
Applications close September 2, 2024
Grants
Wine Tourism & Cellar Door Grants
Round 6 of the Wine Tourism and Cellar Door Grants is now open. The grant aims to support wine and cider producers who enhance value by attracting visitors to wine regions and promoting wine tourism.
Learn more and apply via Wine Australia.
Applications close on September 30, 2024.
Export Market Development Grants (EMDG) Program
EMDG program supports Australian SMEs in their export efforts. The grants help fund marketing and promotional activities that boost exports and deliver broader benefits to Australia. EMDG provides support for SMEs ready to export, those expanding within existing markets or entering new ones, and representative bodies.
Learn more and apply via Austrade.
2024 Key Dates
Upcoming Industry Events
- 28 & 30th August, Victorian Wine Industry Online Forums, via Zoom
- September 2024, Australian Wine Tasting Tokyo, Japan
- 20 November, WCA Wine Communicator Awards Night, Sydney
- 22 November, Australian Women in Wine Symposium, Hobart
- 12–14 November, ProWine Shanghai, China 2024
