Barossa Valley wineries are on a mission to convince global wine snobs that it’s worth forking out more for a fine South Australian drop.
The SA Government has five Barossa Valley wineries, granting almost $140,000 to help convince customers in countries such as China, Taiwan, France, United States and Canada to pay more for a “unique” glass of wine.
“We need to be out there storytelling, explaining how nearly all our wines … are single state, low yield, stored in expensive oak barrels and why these premium products cost more,” Hentley Farm Wines managing director Keith Hentschke said.
Minister for Investment and Trade Martin Hamilton-Smith said the Export Partnership Program would help small to medium sized businesses take their products to international markets.
“The Export Partnership Program is part of a targeted strategy by the State Government to support local companies to build their export capability,” Hamilton-Smith said.
“Successful recipients use the funding to increase their knowledge and further their export capabilities through training, marketing, or participation in trade missions and trade shows overseas to market their products.”
Five Barossa Valley-based wineries have received funding in the past two rounds: Round 1: Barossa Vintage Pty Ltd – $31,000; Elderton Wines – $31,225; Pindarie Wines – $30,075. Round 2: Hentley Farm Wines – $25,000; WD Wines – $21,878.
“South Australian wine has established a niche market overseas, but to appreciate its unique qualities it needs to be introduced to new markets individually so importers and customers can build an understanding of what makes wines like these special,” Hamilton-Smith said.
“This is also about helping companies gain access to the right tools and support to grow and build international networks that can often be financially challenging to access.
“State Government TradeStart advisers have been working closely with companies to build their business case for export markets.”
Hamilton-Smith encouraged small to medium sized enterprises to contact their local TradeStart official through the Department of State Development to learn more about international economies.
The cash injection for the international campaign comes prior to the Government announcing the $830,000 development for the Torbreck Vintners cellar door and visitor centre in the Barossa.
Regional Development Minister Geoff Brock said a $200,000 grant would support the construction of five additional private tasting rooms and a large exhibition space.
“Six new jobs will be created at the cellar door in Marananga, with another 30 jobs required during construction,” Brock said.
“The new rooms will allow Torbreck to offer tutored wine tastings and establish display areas to showcase the history and diversity of the Barossa vineyard growing region.
“It’s estimated the project will also result in a 50 per cent increase in sales revenue by offering tasting seminars, classes and private experiences not currently available.”
– with AAP
