The Barossa Council has entered into a sister-city agreement with the City of Grapevine, Texas. As two major wine and food destinations, these regions share many similarities and a global reputation for premium wine, food, and events. The agreement is expected to bring a boost to economic, cultural, and educational opportunities for both communities.
To celebrate this exciting partnership, The Barossa Council hosted a delegation from the City of Grapevine during the 2023 Barossa Vintage Festival. The four-day tour included visits to Nuriootpa High School, Barossa Village Aged Care, Barossa Visitor Centre, as well as tourism and wine venues across the region and key Council precincts. The tour showcased the community and rich cultural heritage of the Barossa and gave the visiting delegation a taste of the unique brand of Barossa hospitality.
During the visit attended by Regional Development Australia Barossa Gawler Light Adelaide Plains Chair Rolf Binder, a formal commitment was signed at a civic reception at Barossa Regional Gallery. The signing facilitated the next steps in building the relationship between the two local government authorities. The sister-city opportunity builds upon the trade and investment relationships already established between the South Australian Government and the US. The agreement is anticipated to be formally ratified in September 2023 in Grapevine, Texas, at their premier event ‘Grapefest’.
The Barossa Council Mayor Bim Lange said it was a pleasure to showcase the heart and soul of the Barossa to the visiting delegation from the City of Grapevine, Texas. “Our community, like the City of Grapevine’s, has a deep connection to land, place, and heritage, and we are both incredibly passionate about preserving and upholding our character, traditions, and cultural identity,” said Mayor Lange.
City of Grapevine Mayor Pro Tem Darlene Freed agreed, saying the City of Grapevine is thrilled to have a Sister City relationship with the Barossa. “The similarities we have are a love of community, a commitment to tourism and history, and respecting our respective cultures – Grapevine is big on that,” said Mayor Pro Tem Freed. “Grapevine may not be as beautiful as some areas, but we know how to connect with people – you guys are lucky to have both!”
This sister-city agreement presents an excellent opportunity to exchange ideas and knowledge on civic and governance issues, as well as open up gateways for future trade and investment in key markets and grassroots engagement of students and community groups.
Main Photo Caption (Left to right): Rolf Binder Chair of Regional Development Australia Barossa Gawler Light Adelaide Plains, Paul W McCallum, Executive Director Convention and Visitor Bureau Grapevine Texas and Mayor Bim Lange, The Barossa Council.
