NSW is Australia's top destination for international visitors seeking wine tourism experiences.

Tourism Research Australia data shows NSW was number one for international visitors, nights and expenditure in the year ending December 2023.

NSW welcomed 252,200 international visitors who visited a winery during the period. These visitors stayed 9.1 million nights and spent $1.3 billion, up 13.8 per cent compared to the same period in 2019.

The Hunter Valley was the most popular NSW destination, welcoming 69 per cent of winery visitors.

The top source market for wine tourism visitors to NSW was Korea (37 per cent), followed by the United Kingdom (eight per cent) and the United States (seven per cent).

View the full report here.

Destination NSW sponsors NSW Wine Awards

Destination NSW is proud to be elevating the profile of the NSW wine industry as a sponsor of the 2024 NSW Wine Awards.

The NSW Wine Awards aim to identify and celebrate the best wines that are produced in the state across the following categories: Best Chardonnay, Semillon, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris/Grigio, Other white single varietals, White Blends, Light Red (Rose), Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Other Single Red Varietals, and Red Blends as well as the Dry Red and Dry White trophies, Sparkling and Sweet wines.

The NSW Wine of the Year will be chosen from these categories, with the ‘Best Wine in NSW' trophy presented by Her Excellency The Governor of NSW Margaret Beazley AC QC on 1 November 2024 during a ceremony at ICC Sydney.

Destination NSW CEO Steve Cox said: “The food and wine offering in NSW is among the best in the world and is a key ingredient in the mix of products and experiences we deliver to the millions of local and international visitors we welcome to NSW each year."

Learn more here.

Wine tourism and cellar door grants

Wine producers can apply for a share of $10 million following the launch of the Australian Government's Wine Tourism and Cellar Door Grant Program’s sixth round.

The program provides $10 million each financial year for eligible wine producers to apply for grants of up to $100,000 on cellar door sales made during the previous financial year.

The program is designed to encourage agritourism by supporting wine or cider producers who attract visitors to wine regions.

The program has delivered funding to support wineries and cellar door operations, as well as promoting Australian agritourism nationally and internationally.

Australian Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Julie Collins said: “It is important that we support Australian wine businesses, many of which have faced significant challenges in recent years.

“The removal of duties on wine trade to China has seen significant benefits for Australian wine exports. This funding will go towards further supporting growth in the domestic market.

“The wine industry remains resilient and this funding will help build a more prosperous future.”

Round six of the program will close on 30 September 2024. For more information or to apply, click here.