Queensland has this week taken great strides to put its wine industry on the map, proving there is more to the state beyond sunshine and beaches.
The Vine and Shine Trail is Queensland’s first officially recognised wine journey, connecting more than 70 wineries across the state and encouraging travellers to explore the beautiful vineyards and emerging varieties of wine that inland Queensland offers.
The Minister for Agriculture, Drought and Emergency Management, David Littleproud, commended the trail and how it will support rural and regional Queensland.
“In my own electorate of Maranoa, the Granite Belt vineyards have wonderful cool climate wines. It’s a great excuse to head out to Stanthorpe, experience this beautiful region and taste some of our fantastic wine,” Minister Littleproud said.
The initiative is spearheaded by the Queensland Wine Industry Association (QWIA) with support from Wine Australia. QWIA President Mike Hayes said the trail has been in the works for a long time and the launch finally gives Queensland’s wine industry an opportunity to celebrate its range of quality wines and the people who make them possible.
“Queensland’s wineries, winemakers and viticulturists are redefining vineyards and varieties to meet our state’s unique climate conditions, helping us become known internationally for our emerging varieties and ‘vines of the future’,” said Hayes.
“The idea of the Vine and Shine Trail has been many years in the making. We now have a terrific platform to promote our unique tastes to the world, brought to life thanks to the funding we’ve received to develop our International Wine Strategy for Queensland.
“We’re proud that, after a 160-year-long journey, Queensland wine has truly come of age and is finally being taken seriously on both a national and international level. We look forward to welcoming many more visitors to our regions as a result of the launch of this trail. Our wines have been a best kept secret for too long. It’s time for everyone to get a taste of excellence, right here in Queensland.”
Andreas Clark, Wine Australia CEO, added: “The trail is an exciting development for the Queensland wine sector as it leverages the state’s popularity as a tourism destination to promote its exceptional wine, food and tourism experiences.
“I encourage local wine businesses and tourists alike to embrace this initiative, which I’m sure will increase cellar door visits and grow the sector’s contribution to the economy”.
The Vine and Shine Trail initiative is funded by the Australian Government’s Export and Regional Wine Support Package and the Queensland Government. It is the centrepiece of the overarching ‘Venture In’ tourism campaign.