Tasmanian wine industry looks to go global as State Government kicks in $600k to boost export and visitor markets

A HOBART winemaker has invested more than $250,000 to develop a new winery in the heart of the city as the State Government boosts funding to drive the value and global reputation of Tasmanian wine.

Winemaker Nick Glaetzer has invested in more wine making equipment for his Brooker Highway wine business, as well as investing in his own vineyard. He is pictured at his business. Picture: MATT THOMPSON

A HOBART winemaker has invested more than $250,000 to develop a new winery in the heart of the city as the State Government boosts funding to drive the value and global reputation of Tasmanian wine.

Award-winning winemaker Nick Glaetzer, of Glaetzer-Dixon Family Winemakers, will also start planting in the next two weeks on a new 12ha vineyard at Tea Tree.

Twelve years of searching and we finally found our patch of dirt. Better dig out that viti… https://t.co/7Jf2I4JLnB

— Glaetzer-Dixon (@GDF_WINE) October 5, 2017

His investment comes as Primary Industries and Water Minister Sarah Courtney this week announced $600,000 into the development of Tasmania’s wine industry, with the funding to develop export and visitor markets, and build the state’s wine’s growing global reputation.

“The primary focus will be on the important United Kingdom, USA, Hong Kong and domestic markets, with a secondary focus on broader Asia, specifically Japan and Singapore,” she said.

The Tasmanian wine sector conservatively contributes $115 million annually to the state’s economy.

“I am really confident in the sector. We are making good wines with strong demand, especially cool climate pinot noir,” Mr Glaetzer said.

Winemaker Nick Glaetzer has invested in more wine making equipment for his Brooker Highway wine business, pictured, as well as investing in his own vineyard. Picture: MATT THOMPSON

“Only 5 per cent of Tasmania’s wine is exported, leaving 95 per cent of local wine sold in the domestic market. This means there is massive scope for expansion into the global market.”

Mr Glaetzer put through 85,000 tonnes of grapes this year in the new winery, which adjoins the Glaetzer-Dixon cellar door. He made 55,000 litres of wine this year. The new vineyard will help secure quality grapes for the winery and meet growing demand.

Wine Tasmania chief executive Sheralee Davies welcomed the Government support.

“The Tasmanian wine sector has deliberately focused on growing demand for our high quality wines, which has generated growth in wine supply. This has contributed to Tasmania’s position as one of the highest value wine regions, and it is critical that we continue to drive global demand for Tasmania’s wines,” Ms Davies said.

The 2018 vintage set records for the value of the island’s wine grapes, with Tasmania producing just 0.91 per cent of Australia’s total but representing 4.37 per cent of its value.