NSW LEADS THE NATION FOR WINE TOURISM

NSW is Australia's top destination for international visitors seeking wine tourism experiences.

Tourism Research Australia data shows NSW was number one for international visitors, nights and expenditure in the year ending December 2023.

NSW welcomed 252,200 international visitors who visited a winery during the period. These visitors stayed 9.1 million nights and spent $1.3 billion, up 13.8 per cent compared to the same period in 2019.

The Hunter Valley was the most popular NSW destination, welcoming 69 per cent of winery visitors.

The top source market for wine tourism visitors to NSW was Korea (37 per cent), followed by the United Kingdom (eight per cent) and the United States (seven per cent).

DESTINATION NSW SPONSORS NSW WINE AWARDS

Destination NSW is proud to be elevating the profile of the NSW wine industry as a sponsor of the 2024 NSW Wine Awards.

The NSW Wine Awards celebrate the best wines that are produced in the state across the following categories: Best Chardonnay, Semillon, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris/Grigio, Other White Single Varietals, White Blends, Light Red (Rose), Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Other Single Red Varietals and Red Blends as well as the Dry Red and Dry White trophies, Sparkling and Sweet Wines.

The NSW Wine of the Year will be chosen from these categories and presented on 1 November 2024 during an awards ceremony at ICC Sydney.

WINE TOURISM AND CELLAR DOOR GRANTS UNCORKED

Wine producers can apply for a share of $10 million after the launch of the Australian Government's Wine Tourism and Cellar Door Grant Program’s sixth round.

The program provides $10 million each financial year for eligible wine producers to apply for grants of up to $100,000 on cellar door sales made during the previous financial year.

It is designed to encourage agritourism by supporting wine or cider producers who attract visitors to our wine regions.