Tasmania is internationally renowned for its wine, and the Tasmanian Government is delivering on its commitment to support the industry in achieving even greater success.
The Tasmanian wine industry is in the top ten of all sectors contributing to the state’s economy, with a clear and unwavering focus on driving demand, quality and value.
Minister for Primary Industries and Water, Jane Howlett, said the Government has delivered on its 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania’s Future to invest $1.5 million over three years to help the wine industry continue to thrive.
“It has been a terrific year for the wine industry in Tasmania and this agreement to work with Wine Tasmania will drive growth and sustainability in Tasmanian wine production,” Minister Howlett said.
“This year alone the House of Arras won the international award for best sparkling wine, Arras winemaker Ed Carr made history by becoming the only Australian to be named Sparkling Winemaker of the Year at the 2024 International Wine Challenge, several Tasmanian wines have picked up national awards, and our Effervescence festival marked 10 years of brilliant Tasmanian wines at Josef Chromy.
“Tasmanian wine producers are simply excelling.
“Our industry plays a crucial role in achieving the Tasmanian Government’s AgriVision 2050 target which aims to increase the annual farmgate value of the Tasmanian agriculture and agri-food sectors to $10 billion a year by 2050.
“This funding will further strengthen the industry and drive a global reputation which belies its current scale.
“The Government is also providing an additional $1.5 million in the Trade portfolio for a market development project to drive domestic and export market demand for Tasmanian wine, as well as wine tourism.
“The Tasmanian Government has confidence in this industry, which is going from strength to strength, and we have delivered on our election commitment to support the wine sector, working with Wine Tasmania to pursue innovation and sustainability opportunities.”
Wine Tasmania CEO Sheralee Davies said the Tasmanian wine sector is forecast to become the State’s most significant economic driver over the coming 10-15 years.
“The Tasmanian Government’s valued support will help to ensure the projected future growth of the Tasmanian wine sector is sustainable,” Ms Davies said.
“It will help progress important wine sector research priorities and the creation of a specialist cool climate wine research hub, environmental and carbon initiatives, as well as access to technical support, education and training.
“The Tasmanian wine region is leading the country through its global profile, the high quality and value of its wine, visitation to its cellar doors, market-led growth, regional employment and investment.
“This strong reputation, coupled with a changing climate and wine preferences, will see even further growth over the coming years.”
Of the funds, $450,000 is earmarked to establish the Tasmanian Cool Climate Wine Research Hub in collaboration with the Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture (TIA); and $1,050,000 for facilitating access to labour, targeted skills and training across viticulture, winemaking and cellar doors, demonstrating the highest sustainability credentials, including carbon positivity, and providing technical viticulture and winemaking support and resources.
