SOUTH Australian wineries can apply for new grants of up to $5,000 to create unique cellar door experiences as wine regions continue to look at innovative ways to attract tourists and sell product following the impacts of COVID-19 restrictions and disruptions to international markets.
The Cellar Door Unique Experience Grant Program has been established on the back of $200,000 from the state government.
Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development David Basham said the grant program was established in response to the impacts caused by COVID-19.
"SA wineries with cellar doors need your support now more than ever and we are encouraging businesses to apply for the grants who plan on investing in projects that enhance the visitor experience and create must-visit destinations," he said.
"Our government named 2021 'The Year of South Australian Wine' to encourage the community to support the sector as it manages the downturn in tourism and the impacts of market disruptions.
"We recently announced a $5.4 million wine market expansion program to support producers to diversify into new markets, grow sales of premium South Australian wine across the globe, and create more jobs.
"The wine industry is a key economic driver for SA, generating more than $2 billion in revenue per year.
"With 50 per cent of all of Australia's bottled wine and almost 80pc of Australia's premium wine produced here, there is no doubt SA is the wine state."
The government has also concluded a series of regional workshops developed in conjunction with Wine Communicators of Australia, held in the Barossa, McLaren Vale and Coonawarra, with the focus on improving the profitability of SA wineries' cellar door operations through enhanced cellar door tourism offerings.
The workshops had almost 140 wine industry representatives attend.
"The challenges of the last twelve months have underscored how integral the cellar door is to build a sustainable brand," Mr Basham said.
Applications for the Unique Cellar Door Unique Experience Grant Program will be open until 5pm, 28 May 2021.
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