Booking a wine experience in Coonawarra will soon be one click away, thanks to a $60,000 grant from the South Australian Wine Industry Development Scheme (SAWIDS) to boost Coonawarra’s online presence.
Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development Tim Whetstone said that the project had the potential to broaden the reach for the region’s vignerons and follows the Government’s launch of the ‘Welcome Back’ campaign to encourage travel to South Australia’s regions.
Coonawarra Grape and Wine’s project is not only innovative but will support economic diversity as well as local collaboration, which will help the sector adapt and grow through these challenging times,” said Minister Whetstone. “The Coonawarra region and its cellar doors depend heavily on local and international tourism and market exports, and the impact of the coronavirus restrictions on travel and supply chains has been a major challenge for the industry in this region.
“I’m very pleased to announce a $60,000 grant to Coonawarra Vignerons, which will enable an online store to be added to the Coonawarra.org website, encouraging sales of wines and produce and showcasing local events and experiences. This is a digital improvement that can be developed quickly yet provide a long-term economic benefit to the local community. said, Minister Whetstone.
Member for MacKillop Nick McBride said the grant will also help local wineries to collaborate to promote the region, encouraging people to visit and explore the Limestone Coast. “Now that travel and dining restrictions are lifting in South Australia, it’s a fantastic opportunity for people to travel within our state to explore the world-class wine regions on our doorstep such as the Coonawarra,” said Mr McBride.
Coonawarra Vignerons Executive Officer Olivia Nunn said the SAWIDS grant will help the region attract more visitors. “This grant will help provide a new sales outlet for the region, and expand customer reach and strengthen local collaboration during what has been an incredibly difficult year for the local community so far.”
“We’re thrilled to have been successful, as adding to the website’s functionality is something that we’ve been continuously improving and the timing couldn’t be more perfect for the region and for us to make it easier for our visitors to access us. It will enable visitors the ability to view and purchase the range of experiences Coonawarra has to offer in one location,” said Olivia Nunn, Executive Officer for Coonawarra Vignerons.
“Not only will this provide a new sales outlet for the region, but it also helps expand our customer reach and strengthen our local collaboration during what has been an incredibly difficult year for the local community so far.”
The grant program is being delivered through the South Australian Wine Industry Development Scheme (SAWIDS), and is aimed at industry bodies, regional associations, clusters of businesses, research or educational institutions, and organisations with projects that bring direct benefit to South Australia.
