Minister for Tourism, Regional Development and Industry
The Honourable Desley Boyle

Thursday, April 10, 2008

Putting Queensland wine and food on the map

From Mount Tamborine in the south, west to Stanthorpe and north to Mareeba, finding Queensland’s growing list of wineries and gourmet food producers is now as simple as reaching for your glove box.

Minister for Tourism, Regional Development and Industry Desley Boyle today launched the 2008 Queensland Wine and Food Map at the Gaming and Hospitality Expo on the Gold Coast.

“This handy glove box guide is the only wine and food map of its kind in Australia with comprehensive information at your fingertips,” Ms Boyle said.

“The map provides detailed information about cellar doors, wineries and wine producers. It also features 23 boutique food producers offering cheese, ice cream, coffee, condiments, olives, chocolate and nougat.

“Tourism, food and wine have a natural affinity – our aim is to look at ways each of these industries can leverage off each other to raise the state’s wine and food profile locally, domestically and internationally.

“Self drive tourism has always been popular in Queensland – now more than ever.”

Minister Boyle today also launched the State Government’s Wine Industry Action Plan – a plan that will focus on increasing Queensland’s wine production and infrastructure, and building business partnerships with tourism and hospitality industries.

“The wine industry covers approximately 1,500 hectares across the State and there are now more than 185 wine producers and wine merchants operating in ten regions,” Ms Boyle said.

“There’s no doubt the industry is growing, diversifying and creating jobs – so it’s essential we have a plan to continue to drive the industry’s development.

“Queensland’s unique landscape means each wine region has its own unique style, from tropical fruit wine of North Queensland to the alternative flavours of the Granite Belt like tempranillo and viognier.

“Other grape varieties thriving in Queensland include chardonnay, semillon, pinot gris, shiraz, cabernet, merlot and verdelho.”

To obtain a copy of the Queensland Wine and Food Map 2008 visit the HEMA Website at www.hemamaps.com.au.

More information about the Smart Industry Policy is available at www.dtrdi.qld.gov.au

10 April 2008

Media contact: 3224 2007 or 3225 1005

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