Wine lovers are urged to buy local and support Queensland wineries struggling to recover from the impact of recent rains and flooding across the state.
Minister for Agriculture, Food and Regional Economies Tim Mulherin said wine tourism and cellar door sales had dramatically dropped and the industry was suffering.
“Queensland winemakers produce award-winning wines which are receiving recognition both nationally and internationally,” Mr Mulherin said on a visit to Cedar Creek Estate Winery at Mt Tamborine today.
“Unfortunately cellar door business has taken a big hit; mostly due to a misconception wineries are still inaccessible because of the weather and road closures.
“Roads to Queensland’s major wine regions, including the Granite Belt, Darling Downs, South Burnett, Scenic Rim, North Burnett and Somerset Valleys, are open.
“If you enjoy a quality wine then I urge you to visit a winery or buy Queensland wine from bottle shops and restaurants. In doing so you are giving an important local industry a boost and helping a small business get back on its feet.
“Wine tourism is vital to our wine producers with 77 per cent of annual wine sales through regional cellar door outlets.
“Cedar Creek Winery, which also houses the Queensland Wine Centre, is the biggest employer at Mt Tamborine with 41 staff in total so it is critical to the local economy.”
Mr Mulherin said Cedar Creek Estate Winery attracted around 100,000 visitors each year and was one of more than half a dozen wineries in the Gold Coast Hinterland.
“Queensland’s main wine region is the Granite Belt which has over 50 cellar doors and is currently offering discounts to encourage visitors in a campaign organised by Granite Belt Wine & Tourism,” Mr Mulherin said.
“Its attractions include the Strange Bird Granite Belt Alternative Wine Trail, various festivals and opera and jazz vineyard concerts.
“Elsewhere, Queensland’s second largest wine region – the South Burnett – is fully accessible via the D’Aguilar Highway.”
- Media: 07 3239 6530
- Cedar Creek Estate Winery & Queensland Wine Centre: John Penglis, 5545 1666 or 0418 726 765
- www.cedarcreekestate.com.au
- www.granitebeltwinecountry.com.au