News

1 July 2018 is just about here, and with that date comes a raft of changes to WET Rebate eligibility. Winemakers’ Federation of Australia (WFA) implores all Australian winemakers to ensure you understand AND comply with the new eligibility rules for the WET Rebate.  Key changes in the new WET measures include:  The test for …

Adelaide Wednesday 22 August, 2018 12.00pm – 2.30pm  Hear from industry experts on the current regulatory climate the sector is operating in, and how businesses and the industry as a whole can maximise the opportunities from the $50m Package. Program and registrations will be announced soon.    

The Packaging Committee provides a forum for direct discussion among stakeholders – and advice to the WFA Board – on political, technological, environmental, regulatory and market driven changes in wine, wine product and brandy packaging. Te ensure a collaborative sector approach, the Wine Industry Suppliers Australia Inc (WISA) is coordinating a call for input to …

The Geographical Indications Committee has made the final determination for the application for protection of 886 foreign GIs in Australia. WFA objected to one of the GIs in the to the original application, “Avola”, as its registration may have restrict the producers ability to use the grape variety “Nero d’Avola” on labels.  The Avola objection case …

On Monday 26 March 2018, Winemakers’ Federation of Australia co-hosted the “#SaveAussieProsecco” event with Senator Anne Ruston, Assistant Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources, Ms Lisa Chesters MP, Shadow Assistant Minister for Rural and Regional Australia and Ms Cathy McGowan MP, Independent Member for Indi.  The event at Parliament House, Canberra was attended by around …

Registrations are now open for the 13th annual Young Gun of Wine – the showcase for all emerging winemakers to connect to trade and consumers. Focused on giving a platform to winemakers on the rise, Young Gun of Wine is open to Australian winemakers up to 45 years of age making all sorts of wine – …

WFA are currently working with a team of legal Intellectual Property Processors at Monash University who have finalised a technical journal article explaining the “Dubious Legality of the EU’s Claims to Exclusive Use of the Term “Prosecco”.  The comprehensive article provides the initial reference point for some future work WFA are intending to undertake with the …

New Zealand have continued to progress their free trade negotiations with the European Union.  In late December 2018 the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade announced a public consultation on the European Union’s proposed list of product names it wants protected as geographical indications in New Zealand for exclusive use by European producers.  The release of these …

The well-publicised United States (US) Government “Shutdown” has seen the temporary shutdown of a number of US government departments since 21 December 2018.  Many of the departments have relevance to wine trade and of most importance to our wine exports is the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB). The TTB websites and e-portals are …

The $50m Export and Regional Wine Support Package will bring more overseas visitors to the wine regions in Australia, leading to an increase in wine exports.  To take advantage of this opportunity, FedEx can help wineries throughout Australia reach customers living overseas by shipping wine safely, customs-cleared and at the most competitive rates. With Australian wine …