Membership

The Grampians Winemakers Association (GWI) works to position the Grampians as Victoria’s leading fine wine region across local, national, and international markets. Through a diverse program of activities, members have the opportunity to contribute to the region’s collective strength while also enhancing their own reputation and profile.

Grampians Winemakers Inc. is the official body representing the wine industry of the Grampians GI. In the early 1990s, Australia formalised its system of Geographical Indications (GIs), requiring producers to apply for official recognition of their regions. In 1997, members of the Great Western & District Vignerons Association successfully applied to register the ‘Grampians’ GI. With this registration, the association was re-formed as Grampians Winemakers Inc.

Membership of the Grampians Winemakers Association is contingent upon membership with Wine Victoria, either directly or through the association.


Winery Membership

The Grampians Winemakers Association plays an active role in strengthening and promoting the region’s wine industry, with three key areas of focus:

  • Advocacy – representing the collective interests of members to peak industry bodies, all levels of government, and other relevant organisations.
  • Marketing & Promotion – raising awareness of the Grampians as a premium wine region through targeted programs and initiatives that deliver stronger commercial outcomes for members.
  • Capacity Building – supporting members with access to programs and activities that enhance skills, improve practices, and foster growth.

Grampians Winemakers Inc. warmly welcomes new members who are growing and producing wine in the Grampians region. By joining, you become part of a collaborative network dedicated to building the reputation and success of our region.

Branding & Promotion

  • Wine Map – showcasing all member wineries, cellar doors, and websites
  • Promotion – highlighting Grampians Wine, regional wine tourism, events, and member wineries through the association website, social media, media publicity, and targeted advertising campaigns.
  • Consumer eNewsletter – direct updates and stories to engage wine enthusiasts and visitors

Events

  • January – An Evening in the Vines, Fallen Giants, Halls Gap
  • May – Grampians Grape Escape, Halls Gap (GWI is a major stakeholder in this event)
  • July – Red Series, Ballarat
  • October – Grampians Fine Wine Festival (month-long celebration across the region)
  • Additional Promotions & Initiatives – developed throughout the year as opportunities arise.

Trade

  • Access to trade opportunities coordinated through Wine Australia and Wine Victoria, including the annual Victorian trade engagement program and other initiatives prioritised via regional associations.

Technical Activities

To help members build technical skills and share knowledge, with a strong focus on excellence across all aspects of grape growing, winemaking, and business practices. Sustainability remains at the core of these programs, supporting members to adopt best practices in growing, making, and operations.

Advocacy

The Grampians Winemakers Association represents members’ interests by engaging with government, peak industry bodies, and other stakeholders to ensure the region and its producers remain a high priority.

Key Advocacy Activities

  • Membership of Wine Victoria through the association.
  • Taking a leadership role on critical industry issues, including:
    • Phylloxera management
    • Smoke and wine impacts
    • Liquor licensing
    • Taxation
    • Health and alcohol policy
    • Labelling laws

Future Initiatives Under Consideration

An annual networking event for members, associate members, and growers. Our association is dedicated to fostering collaboration and growth within the local food and wine industry. Recognizing the ricWhen you join the Grampians Winemakers Association as an Associate Business Member, you are a part of a vibrant network that celebrates and grows our region’s food and wine community.

A regular member eNewsletter focused on advocacy and industry updates.

Associate Business

We want organisations and businesses that share our passion for fine wine, local produce, and regional success. Together, we can showcase the best of the Grampians and build stronger connections across tourism, hospitality, and beyond.

As an Associate Member, you’ll enjoy:

  • Networking with local wineries and like-minded businesses
  • Opportunities to collaborate on events, tastings, and promotions
  • Increased exposure through our website, marketing, and regional campaigns
  • A stronger voice in building the reputation of the Grampians food and wine scene

Associate member benefits:

  • Website – a listing on the GWI Website on a dedicated page for associate members, with bio, photo, and link to their website
  • Digital Kiosks – Listing on the digital kiosk map at all regional visit centers
    Grampians Winers Tourism Map inclusion
  • Profile in our subscriber edm once per year
  • Invitation to selected GWI Events such as annual pop-ups within the Grampians Region and the annual Christmas breakup and networking events

Grower Member

Is an entity, person or people growing wine grapes within the Grampians GI and having a particular interest in and knowledge of which, at the absolute discretion of the Committee, contributes to the aims of the Association, and is not otherwise eligible for full membership and, in the case of an entity, is represented by a person nominated by that entity.

Grower members are encouraged to build a ‘Grower or Technical Sub-committee’ made up of Viticulturalists, Winemakers, Winery and Vineyard workers of which one member is permitted to attend monthly association meetings with the collective committee having one vote between them.  Grower members are also able to submit suggestions or ideas to the committee for consideration.

Grower member benefits:

  • Website – a listing on the GWI Website on a dedicated page for Growers to enable grape buyers to easily find and source available premium fruit from the Grampians region.
  • Can submit a request to attend any monthly GWI meeting. 
  • Invitation to selected GWI Events and the annual Christmas breakup and networking event.
  • Access to the Wine Victoria innovation & technical program

We look forward to welcoming you to the Grampians Winemakers Association and working together to build a more vibrant, inclusive and prosperous local food and wine community.

If you are interested in learning more about joining, the specific benefits, costs and criteria to join or have any questions, please feel free to contact us at info@grampianswine.com.au