South Australian wine regions stand to benefit from a $4.1 million investment boost for nine international wine tourism projects, including $1.6 million from the International Wine Tourism Competitive Grants Program – a component of the Australian Government’s $50 million Export and Regional Wine Support Package.

The competitive grants program invited a range of wine and tourism sector bodies to apply for small grants (up to $50,000) and medium grants ($50,001 to $250,000) for exciting international wine tourism initiatives that attract visitors to our wine regions. Cash co-contributions applied.

South Australia had the highest number of approved applications, with nine grants awarded for projects across the Adelaide Hills, Barossa Valley, Clare Valley, Limestone Coast (including Coonawarra) McLaren Vale and the Riverland.

Senator the Hon Anne Ruston, Assistant Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources, said the response to the competitive grants program had been positive, with regional communities banding together to submit exciting wine tourism projects for their districts.
‘Our regions have really embraced the opportunity to expand and enhance Australia’s diverse and unique wine tourism experiences.

‘It’s about growing the reputation of Australia’s food, wine and tourism experiences.
‘Together with targeted marketing campaigns in China and the USA, the grants are creating a platform for the commercial success of our local brands and investing back into local jobs’, she said.

Wine Australia Chief Executive Officer Andreas Clark said the 21 successful wine tourism projects will diversify our wine tourism offering and create a lasting impression of Australian wine, in terms of visitor enjoyment and satisfaction.  ‘It is important for the growth and success of our wine regions that we deepen engagement with international tourists and these successful projects will help attract more visitors to experience Australia’s wine offering’, he said.
Background

Grant applicants were required to provide matching funding on a dollar-for-dollar basis and projects were selected through a competitive merit-based process, based on the recommendations of an independent Expert Assessment Panel.

The approved competitive grant projects will complement broader state-based strategies that aim to attract and maximise international wine tourism in each state, with the support of the $50m Package.

Among the regions to benefit from the grants is the Limestone Coast Wine region, encompassing Coonawarra,  Padthaday, Wrattonbully, Mount Benson, Robe, Mount Gambier and extending beyond the border to the Grampians Wine Region.

Read more on the Limestone Coast Wine Region International Wine Tourism Grant Project