Wine lovers urged to #chooseaustralianwine this summer

Australia’s wine association has urged Australians to support local grape growers and winemakers this summer after a tough year for the industry.

Australian Grape & Wine said the industry had been dealt a trio of blows in the form of fires and smoke, COVID-19 shutdowns and, most recently, trade tensions leading to the $1.2 billion China export market for Australian wine becoming effectively unviable.

“That’s why we’re calling on all Australian wine lovers to choose Australian this summer and to celebrate as a community on social media using the #chooseaustralianwine hashtag,” said Tony Battaglene, Chief Executive of Australian Grape & Wine.

“If you enjoy a glass of wine, choose something from your favourite Australian producer this year. Better yet, wrap up a case and put it under the Christmas tree for your family and friends,” Battaglene said.

“We currently import around 125 million bottles of wine each year from overseas. If Australian wine lovers decide to buy Australian instead, it will go a long way to cushioning the blow grape and wine businesses have been dealt in 2020.”

The association called for people to band together and support rural and regional communities across the country by posting a photo of Australian wine on social media and using the hashtag.

“This isn’t about drinking more wine. We want everyone who chooses to enjoy a glass of Australian wine to do so in moderation, with food, family and friends. And if you do, make sure you raise a glass to the grape growers and winemakers who battle the elements to produce these beautiful products every year,” Battaglene said.

“It doesn’t matter if you choose to buy a glass, a bottle or a case. The choice to buy Australian this summer will flow directly back to Australia’s rural and regional economies and provide a much-needed boost for growers and winemakers.”

Image credit: ©stock.adobe.com/au/gustavofrazao