Volume 66 | March 26th 2021
The New South Wales Wine Industry Association represents the interests of all NSW wine producers and grape growers. Our aim is for the NSW Wine Industry Association to advocate for the NSW Wine Industry and provide information and a sense of belonging to our members.
2021 NSW SOMMELIER'S WINE LIST AWARDS
The NSW Sommelier’s Wine List Awards is back!
After we had to cancel the 2020 Awards due to last year’s health regulations, we are thrilled to announce the 2021 NSW Sommelier’s Wine List Awards is now open for entries.

And we would REALLY appreciate your help in spread the great news.
Do you know a #NSWWineStar?
Do you have a favourite local restaurant or sell your wine to a great new wine bar? If you do, tell them to enter the Awards and they could become a #NSWWineStar. Let's lift up as many restaurants, wine bars, gastro pubs and hotels as possible, so in return they will also lift up the wines from NSW.

Best selling points:
  • Entry is FREE, via a simple online form on our website LINK HERE
  • This year, ALL finalists will receive the title of NSW Wine Star, along with a certificate and promotional material to help share the great news.
  • The main winners will receive their trophies at a prestigious event at Government House Sydney, hosted by the Governor of New South Wales Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC QC, in May 2021.
  • Those who win one of the seven main categories will not only take home a stunning trophy but also one of our great new prizes including indulgent, emersion trip around one of our lovely wine regions (accommodation, meals and expertly guided winery tours), some invaluable advice on the right digital systems and design to take their business to the next level, along with the expert hands of DK digital systems to help turn that advice into reality, $1000 worth of the best wine logistics and technology solutions from WINEDEPOT, and one lucky winner will receive a bespoke glass consultation, specifically tailored to their venue, and a $2000 premium glass fit out from RIEDEL. Some great prizes making these Awards a must enter event for any sommelier, beverage manager or restaurant.  

So get talking or sharing our social media posts (@nswwine on Facebook and Instagram) and make sure no one misses out. Entries close on 11 April.
NSW FLOODS
If you have been hit hard by the recent floods, the NSW Government has been working hard to offer many different forms of assistance.
 
The Rural Assistance Authority has a Natural Disaster Assistance program to help communities and individuals directly affected by the recent floods and storm damage (or any other declared natural disaster). 
For more information on eligibility and the range of measures that are currently available, including Disaster Relief Loans and Natural Disaster Transport Subsidies, go to their website HERE
 
There are also the Disaster Relief Grants to help recovery from the effects of a disaster and re-establish a basic standard of living. It is not provided to replace insurance or compensate for losses. You may be eligible for financial support if the following apply: 
  • your home (primary place of residence) was damaged by a natural disaster 
  • you do not have insurance for the damage 
  • you are a low-income earner with limited financial resources 
  • it has been less than four (4) months since the disaster. 
Phone 13 77 88 and ask about the Disaster Relief Grant administered by Resilience NSW. 

The Disaster Recovery Payment is a one-off, non-means tests payment of $1,000 for adults and $400 for children, who have been seriously injured, lost their homes or whose homes have been directly damaged, or the immediate family members of a person who has lost their life, as a direct result of the storms and floods. 
This is an Australian Government disaster assistance payment. Visit Services Australia at www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/disaster or phone 180 22 66 to find out more about this assistance. 

The Disaster Recovery Allowance provides a short-term income support payment to assist individuals whose income has been affected as a direct result of the storms and floods, for up to 13 weeks. This is an Australian Government disaster assistance payment. Visit Services Australia at www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/disaster to find out if you are eligible, or phone 180 22 66. 
 
For information on all available disaster assistance, you can contact the Disaster Customer Care Service at Service NSW on 13 77 88 or online via www.service.nsw.gov.au  

Finally, do look after yourself and your family’s wellbeing as well as finances. There are support services to assist you during any difficult times. A full list of services can be found here
WINE AUSTRALIA OPPORTUNITIES
Free ATDW listings and training for wine tourism businesses
Eligible wine businesses can create a listing on the Australian Tourism Data Warehouse (ATDW) at no cost until 30 June 2021 to increase their online exposure. To take advantage of this opportunity, wineries can view the online training videos and see the new wine-related features, developed with funding from the Australian Government’s $50 million Export and Regional Wine Support Package. Have a question? Contact growingwine@wineaustralia.com
Australian Wine Connect – opportunities for wineries
More than 200 wineries have signed up to Australian Wine Connect – Wine Australia’s dynamic, always on, virtual platform connecting Australian wine producers with buyers, importers, distributors, media, educators and more. If you’re yet to register, secure your virtual expo space here ahead of the international launch to trade on 27 April 2021.

Wine Export Grants – seek a reimbursement of Australian Wine Connect fees
Wineries that are participating in Australian Wine Connect can apply for a reimbursement grant of up to AU$25,000 for 50 per cent of eligible expenses through the Wine Export Grants program. These expenses may include the virtual expo space cost, as well as participation in the US Market Entry and Explore programs. View the eligibility criteria or register for the Wine Export Grants program here.
 
Explore Canada and Explore UK
For wineries seeking distribution in Canada and the UK, Wine Australia is launching ‘Explore’ as an additional service for wineries that are signed up to Australian Wine Connect.
Wineries will be able to participate in one or both markets, for market-readiness briefings, insights and targeted marketing to key customers (importers and agents).
Registrations are now open for Explore Canada, which will run from June to July 2021.
Wineries are invited to express interest for Explore UK, which will run from September to October 2021. Access more information or register for Explore Canada and/or Explore UK here.

Virtual Meet the Buyer Program
For wineries seeking distribution in markets other than the UK, US and Canada, Wine Australia has partnered with the Food and Agribusiness Growth Centre trading as Food Innovation Australia Limited (FIAL) to offer a series of virtual ‘Meet the Buyer’ events for several key international markets over the next 12 months. Exclusive to businesses signed up to Australian Wine Connect, the first focus market is Vietnam and registrations are open now. Access more information or register for the Meet the Buyer Program here.
 
Sign-up now for the National Wine Sector Bushfire Conference ­– 25 May 2021
Don’t miss the latest updates on fire preparedness, smoke response and vine recovery at the National Wine Sector Bushfire Conference on 25 May 2021. View the program and register for this free event here.
SHORT SIPS NEWS
+ Members in the central west of NSW may be interested in the new biodiversity pilot program and grants. Click HERE
+ Research from the National Wine and Grape Industry Centre examining the impact of soil temperature on vine growth has been recognised internationally. Read more HERE
+ If you didn't read our last Special Edition newsletter on submitting an application for 50% funding of the 2021 US Market Entry Program, check it out HERE