MINISTER REWARDS SUPPORTERS OF QUEENSLAND WINE INDUSTRY

Queensland restaurants and hotels should be applauded for their support of the State’s wine industry, says Minister for Tourism and Wine Industry Development Margaret Keech.

Mrs Keech said the Beattie Government was recognising the efforts of more than 200 restaurateurs and hoteliers in promoting Queensland wines with Appreciation Certificates.

Mrs Keech presented the first of many such accolades to Anna’s Restaurant in Stanthorpe during a visit to the Granite Belt this week.

“I applaud the owners of Anna’s Restaurant for their long-term support and promotion of the Queensland wine industry,” she said.

She said Anna’s, an Italian cuisine specialist, had continually provided a variety of Queensland wines on their wine lists, particularly championing local wineries in the Granite Belt region.

“For many, many years hotels and restaurants such as Anna’s Restaurant have been great champions of Queensland’s wineries, providing a variety of locally-produced drops for diners to enjoy,” she said.

“These certificates are part of the Beattie Government’s Five Point Plan to encourage restaurants and hotels to offer their guests a selection of Queensland’s award-winning wines.

“It’s great to see the number of hotels and restaurants keen to introduce customers to Queensland’s top wines steadily increasing.

“I genuinely appreciate the efforts of Anna’s Restaurant and the many establishments like them who have played an ongoing role in getting Queensland wines on the menu.

“For those people wanting to see what Queensland’s wineries have to offer, take a look at my Department’s website. We’ve published the contact details of over 500 restaurants and hotels that stock Queensland wines, and the list is growing all the time.”

Mrs Keech also encouraged wineries to advise the department when they get new listings at restaurants and bottleshops so they too could be included on the website.

To find suppliers of Queensland wine in your area, visit: www.dtftwid.qld.gov.au/wine

Media contact: Jo Gibbons 3224 2007 / 0421 611 989