Canberra Wine Week cancelled due to COVID-19 - but there's still wine

Sarah McDougall, secretary of the CDWIA, said the association was fully conscious of the implications of COVID-19 and the Australian government's official stance on non-essential gatherings of no more than 100 people indoors and 500 people for outdoor gatherings.

"As a result we have decided to cancel our Canberra Wine Week for 2020," she said.

"We intend to go ahead with the Canberra Wine Week 2021 at the same time next year, March 20 to 29, with an events calendar to be advised early 2021."

She said in light of the current situation, as an industry that has its roots in hospitality "we have to err on the side of caution, and ensure that our industry experts, staff and customers are always at the forefront when making critical business decisions around health and safety".

"Whilst it's been a horrendous year with bushfires, smoke taint, a wine district with no vintage, and now cancellation of what is our biggest week long celebration of the year, we're already thinking ahead to 2021, we want it to be bigger and better than ever."

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She said the Budburst Festival in Spring would be the next event.

"We'll definitely need something to celebrate by then."

She said it was important to note that cellar doors were still open and wineries were furiously preparing online orders, "because Canberrans still want to drink local, they love their local wines and our locally stocked bottle shops are incredibly popular. If you have to self isolate, do so with a fridge full of Canberra wines!"

Some wineries will still hold regular events which meet the restrictions, others are offering discounted delivery fees, curbside food and wine deliveries and wine bars who will be offering pizza and wine takeaways.

"Now's the time to watch our wineries who are letting their innovative juices flow. Watch this space."

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