Victorian wines were showcased at SOMM Camp– the first time a region outside California has been featured at the exclusive annual educational immersion for leading US sommeliers and wine buyers.

Held in Sonoma under the theme “Crossing Borders”, the two-day program brought together 25 top buyers, selected via competitive application, to explore the synergies between Sonoma County and Victoria.

Representatives fromHandpicked,Fowles,Mount Langi,Chalmers,Attwoodsand YeringStationhosted seminars and comparative tastings highlighting cool climate parallels, contributionsto sustainability, and the influence of soil and microclimates. Victorian producers shared panels with some of Sonoma’s most prominent wineries in sessions held in wineries around Sonoma Valley, led byLars Leicht MWandMaeve Pesquera.The buyer line-up included influential names from Hyatt Hotel Group, Specs, Flagship RestaurantGroup, Two for Seven Restaurant Group, and Davidson Hospitality Group, among others.

Over 1,000 trade professionals gathered to connect with more than 240 incredible drinks producers spanning wine, spirits, beer, cider, and no/low alcohol. The energy in the room was electric as we celebrated our 4th annual Drink Victorian event.

Wine Victoria, with the support of Global Victoria, is pleased to invite expressions of interest from wineries to participate in two upcoming Canadian trade events planned for October/November 2025 in Vancouver and Toronto. Each event will feature a masterclass and an informal reception tasting, showcasing Victorian wines to key members of the Canadian trade, including importing agents, government liquor monopoly buyers, retail decision-makers, and on-premise representatives. 

Australian wine consumption is undergoing a significant transformation, according to the inaugural 'State of the Grapes' report, a landmark collaboration between Wine Australia and Endeavour Group. The new data uncovers large scale shifts in the nation’s palates, giving insight into what
the wine shelves of the future could look like.

Technical Review is the AWRI’s own technical publication, which includes updates on AWRI research and a curated selection of the most recent grape and wine literature recommended by AWRI Emeritus Fellow Dr Peter Dry and Engagement Specialist Matt Holdstock. Read the July 2025 Publication, available now via AWRI. 

The AWRI has released its 32nd edition of Agrochemicals registered for use in Australian viticulture, commonly known as the ‘Dog book’. Updated yearly to align with each growing season, the booklet is a reference guide for grapegrowers and wineries to ensure the safe and timely application of agrochemical treatments.

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.

Food Standards Australia and New Zealand (FSANZ) has been developing new requirements for energy labelling on alcoholic beverages (Proposal P1059).

Visit our website to learn more about these important updates.

Visit Victoria is inviting wine industry representatives from regional areas to participate in aVisit Victoria 2030 forum, sharing your ideas and insights on how Visit Victoria can support the industry in achieving its ambitions for the Visitor Economy.

Registrations are now open forVisit Victoria’s Industry Engagement Forums, which form part of the consultation process for Visit Victoria 2030.selling fast, book before sold out.

Young Farmer Upskill and Invest Scholarship

The Young Farmers Upskill and Invest Scholarship is an opportunity to invest in you and your career. Up to $10,000 is available per scholarship:

• up to $5000 towards study
• up to $5000 to invest in putting new skills into practice, with professional development, business planning or other on-farm activities.
  

The scholarship program is designed to be flexible and to fit with the demands and ambitions of young farmers and farm workers.

Since the start of the program in 2015, the Minister for Agriculture has awarded scholarships to 133 young farmers. Each year, 12 to 14 schol May 2025.

The Young Farmers Upskill and Invest Scholarship is an opportunity to invest in you and your career. Up to $10,000 is available per scholarship:

• up to $5000 towards study
• up to $5000 to invest in putting new skills into practice, with professional development, business planning or other on-farm activities.

The scholarship program is designed to be flexible and to fit with the demands and ambitions of young farmers and farm workers.

Since the start of the program in 2015, the Minister for Agriculture has awarded scholarships to 133 young farmers. Each year, 12 to 14 schol May 2025.

Applications for the 2025 Leadership and Mentoring Program will open in the second half of 2025. If you have any questions relating to the program please contact the Rural Women’s Network Program Coordinator by email at vrwnetwork@agriculture.vic.gov.au or mobile on 0427 463 014 For all Rural Women's Network resources and opportunities, visit Agriculture Victoria.

The 2025 National Wine Industry Salary & Benefits Report reveals salary data for 64 different wine industry positions, making it an essential tool for wine industry employers.  Now in its 26th year, the report is the only one of its kind in Australia and provides a clear picture of pay and staffing trends across Australia’s wine sector. It assists with salary reviews, workforce strategy and recruitment in a competitive labour market.

See a wide-ranging collection of trade, industry and consumer wine events and activities happening across the globe using the Wine Industry Events Calendar.

2025​

• 27–29 August, Wine Victoria South Korea trade event 2025
• 1–10 September, Australian Wine Roadshow Japan 2025, register
• 29 September, Australia and New Zealand Trade Tasting, Stockholm, register
• 1 October, Australia and New Zealand Trade Tasting, Amsterdam, register
  
• 15 October, Rutherglen, Finlaysons Roadshow, register
• 16 October, Mornington Peninsula, Finlaysons Roadshow, register 
• 20 November, Wine Victoria AGM 

2026​

• 27 January, Australia and New Zealand Trade Tasting, London, register
• 29 January, Australia and New Zealand Trade Tasting, Edinburgh, register
• 3 February, Australia and New Zealand Trade Tasting, Dublin, register
• 9–11 February 2026, Wine Paris 2026, register
  

If there is an upcoming event that is not on the calendar, please email at communications@wineaustralia.com