NSW TOURISM AWARDS 

Now in its 30th year, the annual NSW Tourism Awards have become an institution, recognising excellence in a range of tourism areas. This year, Urban Winery Sydney was recognised as a finalist in both Tourism Wineries, Distilleries and Breweries and Business Event Venues categories.

“The NSW Tourism Awards are the most prestigious awards in the tourism industry, with a long history of celebrating and recognising business excellence, innovation and outstanding customer service by tourism operators” NSW Business Chamber CEO, Stephen Cartwright said.

Managed by the Tourism Industry Division of the NSW Business Chamber and supported by Destination NSW, the NSW Tourism Awards celebrate and acknowledge tourism businesses that demonstrate outstanding achievement throughout the year.

In 2018 we earned a silver medal in the Tourism Wineries, Distilleries and Breweries category, this year we feel very excited to be shortlisted as well in Business Event Venues.

Over the past few years, our Founder and Head Winemaker Alex Retief has established and refined UWS’s facilities, resources, and product offering, transforming it into an exciting and dynamic business event space.

Within a national context, Urban Winery Sydney is a stand out in its category: the first urban winery in Australia, and Sydney’s only functioning winery; showcasing the best NSW wine and produce. Our experience is a one-of-a-kind, and on-going product improvements has resulted in a growing customer base (new and repeat business) in the local and in-bound events market.

In April 2018, Alex undertook the enormous task of moving his entire winery from St. Peter’s to The Entertainment Quarter in Moore Park. The convenient city fringe location provided Urban Winery Sydney with a dynamic venue that could host events, experiences and still operate as both a winery and cellar door. Its proximity to the CBD and the airport allowed it to attract a larger number of visitors, with a flexible 7-day-a-week operation.

From Alex Retief:

“We quickly realised that our followers enjoyed the winery because it is interactive, community focused and educational around the wine making process. As our popularity continues to grow, we have placed a much larger emphasis on social media; ensuring that our online content (website, e-newsletter and social media accounts) is constantly updated to inform people about grape deliveries, harvest developments and how they can get involved. As discussed, our purpose is to educate our followers on the wine-making process and to showcase produce from New South Wales.

“Furthermore, as the business has developed we have brought on a greater diversity of products. Our move to The Entertainment Quarter allowed us to sell not only what we produce on site, but other wines, spirits and beers from NSW; celebrating other producers in the state. This has opened up new markets for us.”

Look out 2020, we can’t wait to see what you have install for us!