Concern at possible wine tax change
December 31, 2009
Family First MLC Robert Brokenshire has written to the Premier and Federal Treasurer urging them not to heed proposals for a volumetric tax system that would see big hikes in taxation on the wine export industry.
The review notes that per standard drink, spirits are taxed at 87c, full-strength packaged beer at 39c, bottled wine by large producers at 49c, large producers of cask wine at 5c and small producers of bottled wine at 0c. Read more
Selections made for holy wine promotion
December 2, 2009
The supply of Coonawarra wines for an Australia Day function at The Vatican next year is expected to boost sales from the region, according to Australia’s Ambassador to the Holy See, former deputy Prime Minister Tim Fischer. Read more
Premium quality softens wine crisis
November 14, 2009
The Limestone Coast will not be hit as hard by restructuring of the wine industry as marginal areas due to its focus on premium production, according to regional vignerons.
“The Limestone Coast is part of the Australian wine industry and the pain will be shared across the country with the need to cut production by 20pc,” Limestone Coast Wine Industry Council chairman Brendan Provis said. Read more
Wine restructuring agenda released
November 11, 2009
A push for uncontracted South East grape growers to leave the industry will step up following the release of the Wine Restructuring Action Agenda this week.
The report, backed by the four key industry organisations, outlines a national wine industry surplus of 100 million cases a year, which is expected to double within two years. Read more
Deputy PM opens cellar door
November 11, 2009

Deputy Prime Minister Julia Gillard (pictured) officially opened the Raidis Estate Cellar Door on Sunday. Read more
Holy wine boost for Coonawarra
November 9, 2009
Coonawarra wine and the Blessed Mary MacKillop will be at the forefront of Australia Day celebrations at the Vatican next year.
Australia’s Ambassador to the Holy See, former deputy Prime Minister Tim Fischer, will promote the region at his official January 26 celebrations on the left bank of the Tiber River, just near St Peter’s Basilica. Read more
Yalumba wins prestige wine award
October 30, 2009
The Yalumba Wine Company’s 2006 Menzies “The Cigar” Cabernet Sauvignon has collected four trophies at the 2009 Limestone Coast Wine Show.
After being named ‘Best Cabernet Sauvignon’ and ‘Best Red Wine’, the prized drop went on to claim the Bill Redman Trophy for ‘Best Wine of Show’ after two intense days of judging this week at the Coonawarra Hall. Read more
Prestige wine award for Wynns
October 19, 2009

Wynns Coonawarra Estate senior winemaker Sue Hodder and winemaker Sarah Pidgeon with the Outstanding Wines of Provenance award from the Royal Adelaide Wine Show.
Wynns Coonawarra Estate’s John Riddoch Cabernet Sauvignon is the inaugural winner of a prestigious award for outstanding wine of provenance. Read more
Cabernet Celebrations at Coonawarra
October 15, 2009
One of Australia’s premiere wine tourism events will take place this weekend with the Coonawarra Cabernet Celebrations.
Aside from key features, such as Sunday’s the Coonawarra Barrel Series 12 Wine Auction, a broad range of arts based events will be held on the Saturday, with musicians, artists, gourmet food and other attractions on show at various cellar doors. Read more
Grape glut threatens vineyards
October 14, 2009
Vineywards in Coonawarra could be replaced with grazing land as the national grape glut continues to bite.
Constellation Wines has announced it will close Padthaway’s $20m Stonehaven winery, cellar door and function centre next month after a buyer could not be found for the site amid the gloomy outlook for the sector. Read more
