The Minister for Economic Development, David O'Byrne, today launched the Government-produced booklet The Wine Industry in Tasmania: A Guide for Investors, which promotes the State as an ideal place for investment.

 

The launch coincides with Europe's leading wine publication The Drinks Business ranking Tasmania second only to China as the best wine investment location in the world.

 

Mr O'Byrne said the new promotional booklet will help attract new investment, by promoting Tasmania's unique winemaking advantages.

 

"Tasmania's wine industry may be relatively small, but it's carving out an immense reputation," Mr O'Byrne said.

 

"Our island offers water availability, soil, land affordability, branding and biosecurity advantages over many popular wine regions.

 

"We also have an established network of wine research and development.

 

"I'd encourage anyone looking to invest in the wine industry to consider Tasmania and contact our Department of Economic Development, Tourism and the Arts today," he said.

 

The Wine Industry in Tasmania: A Guide for Investors can be downloaded from the Department of Economic Development, Tourism and the Arts' website at www.development.tas.gov.au. Hard copies are available by calling (03) 6233 5728.

 

Mr O'Byrne said The Drinks Business' endorsement of Tasmania as the world's second best investment location is more proof that Tasmania's wine industry is becoming a world leader in quality and value.

 

"The Tasmanian Government's Economic Development Plan is about identifying and playing to our State's natural strengths. That's how you find sustainable markets for your products, and grow the jobs of tomorrow.

 

"Our temperate maritime climate is among those natural strengths. It's perfect for producing ultra-premium cool-climate wines, which are increasingly popular worldwide.

 

"The wine industry is identified as a priority sector in the Economic Development Plan, and this latest recognition from The Drinks Business is further evidence of its growing status and exciting future," he said.

 

The article urges investors to look beyond traditional regions for exceptional winemaking potential. The top 10 vineyard investments according to The Drinks Business are:

1.    China

2.    Tasmania

3.    Greece

4.    Georgia

5.    Languedoc

6.    England/Wales

7.    Ukraine

8.    Sardinia/Italy

9.    Swartland (South Africa)

10. Finland

 

The Chief Executive of Wine Tasmania, Sheralee Davies, said The Drinks Business article emphasised the growing international reputation of Tasmania's wine sector.

 

"Tasmania represents less than half a per cent of Australia's wine production, yet is being recognised as one of the strongest regions globally in terms of both wine quality and value," Ms Davies said.

 

"The 8th International Cool Climate Symposium was hosted in Tasmania in February, with the key goal of showcasing Tasmania's wines to the world. This major international event attracted 330 attendees, including 20 influential media guests.

 

"The result has been a number of media articles, like this one, emphasising the opportunity for our island's wine sector and greatly contributing to the growing reputation of Tasmanian wine," she said.

 

As well as work performed by the Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture and the Tasmanian operations of the Australian Wine Research Institute, $400,000 was recently allocated under the Tasmanian Forests Intergovernmental Agreement for new wine industry research, development and extension projects.