Minister for Agriculture, Drought and Emergency Management, David Littleproud is encouraging wine lovers to look closer to home and choose to buy Australian wine this holiday season.
Minister Littleproud said Aussie vineyards and winemakers have had a tough year with smoke taint from the bushfires, lack of tourists because of COVID-19 and trade tensions, so they need our support more than ever this holiday season.
"A vibrant wine industry is vital for supporting our rural and regional economies," Minister Littleproud said.
"We grow the grapes, pick the grapes, crush the grapes, blend and bottle the wine right here.
"It is a perfect example of a thriving Australian industry.
"We are the 6th largest wine producer in the world, and the 5th largest wine exporter, with two thirds of Australian wine exported adding $2.84 billion to the economy in 2019-20.
"Australian wine is a great addition to the dinner table year-round, but especially at Christmas. It also makes a perfect gift to be enjoyed by friends and family.
"Every bottle of Australian wine sold makes a world of difference to producers feeling the pinch this year.
"I encourage wine drinkers to drink responsibly and enjoy the best wine in the world this Christmas.
"Cheers to Aussie wine and have a safe and happy festive season."
If you're a wine lover, post a photo of you enjoying a great Australian wine with food, family and friends, using the hashtag #chooseaustralianwine.
Fast Facts
- Australians drank around 19L of wine per person in 2018-19.
- The gross value of Australian wine grape production was $913 million in 2019-20
- Australian wine exports totalled $2.9 billion in 2019-20, mainly to China, the United Kingdom, the United States and Canada
- There were nearly 4000 vineyards across Australia in 2018-19
