A $150,000 Marshall Liberal Government grant is helping the Barossa Grape & Wine Association (BGWA) enhance its online Wine School to audiences across the world.
With COVID-19 impacting international visitor numbers, the Barossa Wine School has turned its focus to an online offering through a South Australian Wine Industry Development Scheme (SAWIDS) grant.
Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development David Basham, who visited the Barossa to learn more about the project recently, said despite the challenges of COVID-19 continuing to educate people across the world about South Australia's premium wines is important.
"The Barossa Wine School has had much success since its inception and offered an outlet to showcase and educate our international trading partner countries on the quality of Barossa wine," said Minister Basham.
"Due to the impact of COVID-19 restrictions, the Barossa Wine School has innovated and adapted to focus on its online platform.
"We are proud to fund this dynamic project which will demonstrate the resilience and creative thinking that has been the hallmark to date of the Barossa Wine School.
Member for Schubert Stephan Knoll said the Barossa Wine School is an important initiative.
"The Barossa is well known for its outstanding quality wines and being able to continually educate our international consumers is critical," he said.
"Taking South Australian expertise to the world thanks to this grant will ensure the continued education of the international wine trade on the wines, people and places of the Barossa."
Since being launched in 2013, more than 2000 people have completed the Barossa Wine School introductory program designed for enthusiastic wine drinkers, wine trade, media and educators.
BGWA chief executive James March said the challenge posed by changes in international travel was just one of the issues facing the industry due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
"We want to ensure that we continue to grow the international interest in the Barossa region and boost the number of marketplaces for our wine," Mr March said.
"We are confident this new digital engagement platform will be innovative and capable of extending the global reputation the Barossa Wine School has already founded."
