The Australian Wine Industry raises over A$275,000 for Victorian and Queensland flood and cyclone victims
The Australian Wine Trade Flood Relief Raffle comes to a successful end
Media release
Army helicopter crewman Tony Young carries Montannah Creasy to safety [©Photographer: Jack Tran]
Raise your glass as the Australian Wine Industry prepares to hand over more than a quarter of a million dollars for flood and cyclone victims.
The Australian Wine industry has raised well over a quarter of a million dollars for flood and cyclone victims, in what is believed to be the biggest fundraising effort of its kind in the industry’s history.
More than 300 vineyards and wineries across Australia donated wine, travel and other related prizes to the Australian Wine Trade Flood and Cyclone Relief Raffle for victims of the floods in Queensland and Victoria, and those affected by Cyclone Yasi.
Launched by Brisbane based wine writer and author Tyson Stelzer in conjunction with online wine and food travel guide VisitVineyards.com, the initiative raised $275,000 for flood and cyclone victims.
With large quantities of rare, exclusive wines up for grabs, tickets were purchased from every State of Australia, New Zealand, the USA, UK, Germany, Italy, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Japan.
But the winner, fittingly, went to Queensland based Kurt Northam, who happens to have applied to study viticulture next year. The prize, valued at more than $33,000, includes a $5,000 trip for four to the Barossa Valley donated by Orlando Wines, four bottles of 100 Year Old Para Vintage Tawny commemorating the major Queensland flood years, from the 1893, 1916, 1974 and now the 2011 vintages and a magnum of 1996 Penfolds Grange, one of Australia’s most famous wines.
The total prize includes a list of rare and exclusive wines which would fill a wine cellar and make even the most discerning wine connoisseur green with envy – with wine featuring from every major wine region in Australia.
Second and third prizes went to winners in Victoria and Tasmania, and include sought-after wines to the value of $20,000 and $13,000 respectively. In total there were 200 prize winners – scooping many wines almost impossible to secure.
Stelzer says he is still completely astounded at the generosity shown by an industry which has faced some of the most challenging times in its history.
'This raffle has seen not only those who have faced incredibly tough times themselves donate, but many who bought tickets were themselves were affected by the floods, with some were among the prize winners. To give at a time of such complete hardship yourself restores your faith in humanity.'
One of those affected by the floods, Jacki Liddle, who purchased a winning ticket in the raffle after her Yeronga home was flooded in January, remarked 'all our lovely wines were lightly mud-caked, so it will be lovely to try some new ones.'
VisitVineyards.com CEO and founder Robyn Lewis who provided their ‘online raffle ticket generator’ and backend services, and donated memberships to its online wine and food travel guide, says it’s indicative of those working in the industry.
“To donate to this charity at a time when many are struggling themselves, some losing their entire crops in the floods, demonstrates the camaraderie of the industry.”
'Many wine producers we talked to spoke of the absolute hardship and necessity to drive people to cellar door to ensure the future of boutique wineries and of the other businesses that surround them in the regions. Now the floods are over, there is no better way for consumers to show their support of an industry so giving than to get out and explore your local wine region and purchase at cellar door.'
For details of the winners see: www.WineFloodRelief.com.au and www.VisitVineyards.com/winners
The raffle would not have been possible without the generous support of:
- The Coonawarra Vignerons Association, which donated almost $11,000
- The ANZ Bank, which waived all credit card charges for VISA and Mastercard ticket purchases via the VisitVineyards.com website
- eWay, the online payment gateway, which provided a 60% discount on transaction fees
- Wise Lord Ferguson, Tasmania, for accounting services
- Fastway Couriers which donated the delivery of all prizes
A full list of supporters can be found here »
The funds are being divided in proportion to need, with 70% going to Queensland and 30% to Victoria.
The raffle was drawn at the offices of VisitVineyards.com on Friday 11th March 2011 by ANZ North Hobart manager Lee-Anne Spinks.
Kirstie Bedford, KDJM communications
Our Recommendations
To see our recommendations, ratings and reviews you must be a logged-in subscriber.
To subscribe please enter your email address in the "Subscribe Now - it's Free" box on the right and click the "Join" button, or fill in this form >
The fabulous Grange and Whitsundays holiday prizes have been drawn. Is your name on our winners list? You could sipping on fine Tasmanian pinot or attending the ... search for your name now - good luck! »
Here you will find the 200 Wine Industry Flood and Cyclone Relief Raffle (WineFloodRelief) winners »
Tutor your nose to detect the subtle aromas in wine and learn to appreciate and enjoy its complexities. VisitVineyards.com subscribers purchasing Le Nez du Vin aroma sets can save up to $110 and get two Essential Wine Tasting Guides for the price of one. Read about the 
Thinking celebration? Then surely thinking Champagne, the wine that's always part of life's most important occasions. And sometimes just for the pure bubbly, enjoyment. Dine and sip with royalty, celebrity at history-making moments with your copy of Champagne and Chandeliers by Bernadette O'Shea. VisitVineyards.com subscribers, you receive a 15 per cent discount on purchase 
Le Figaro calls her "the undisputed mistress of the kingdom of wine". Receive an immediate introductory 
Like to discover more about this state's lifestyle, wine, food and more? Then ask us now for your free copy of Tasmania 40 Degrees South the magazine that showcases the best of Australia's island state. 
In our No 1 Wine Book of 2010, Master Sommelier Evan Goldstein matches distinctive wines with recipes from his favourite chefs in this book focussing on new and emerging grape varietals. VisitVineyards.com subscribers and Members buying this book will receive a 
VisitVineyards.com members can take advantage of an exclusive 
Is your wine cellar in need of some re-organisation. Vinified offers a unique cellar management service - they work out what you have, what you need, what it's worth and how to store it. All done with your personal taste in mind. Enter now and you could 