Wine tourism has emerged as a strong and growing area of special interest tourism in Australia, and as such it has become an increasingly significant component of the Australian regional tourism product. The Australian Wine Foundation (1996) estimates total Australian wine tourism figures to be in the order of 5.3 million visits per annum, worth $428 million in 1995 and which is expected to grow substantially to around $1100 million by 2025. As a consequence, Australia's Federal and State Governments and regional communities (including regional associations) are recognising the benefits of promoting their wine districts as tourism attractions in their own right. While the destinational appeal of wine regions and the concept of wine tourism is generally acknowledged, research concerning wine tourism development, marketing and impacts is lacking. Therefore, this thesis examines the nature and potential of wine tourism in Australia, and documents its historical development and current status. The activities and initiatives of a number of agencies involved in wine tourism development and marketing are also critically examined, and significant wine tourism developmental issues are investigated through a case study of the Canberra District, an emerging Australian wine region. A number of developmental similarities between rural tourism and wine tourism are noted, including: a lack of tourism and marketing awareness and knowledge by practitioners, and a lack of industry integration and cohesion. These issues are compounded by the infancy of wine tourism and the dominant product focus of wine makers and the Australian wine industry, resulting in the absence of effective inter sectoral linkages. While a number of tourism agencies and wine industry associations are pursuing wine tourism development initiatives, the success and sustainability of these activities is dependent upon addressing various developmental issues.

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) has become a worldwide issue as organizations are under increasing pressure to behave in socially responsible ways. Environmental responsibility as a part of CSR is often connected with sustainability and protection the environment. This is of a significant importance to New Zealand and its 'clean' and 'green' image. One industry having an impact on the environment, and also having a strategic position in the economy of New Zealand is the wine industry. The aim of the research is to understand what motivates and sustains companies' CSR practices. This exploratory study examines (1) what drives the industry to engage in CSR practices, (2) the role of stakeholders in the company's decision making, and (3) CSR practices in the wine industry. A qualitative research approach supplemented by quantitative measures was adopted to answer the research questions. 24 case study organizations (wineries) were studied and 31 managers interviewed. The research found that the most important drivers of CSR practices are personal values, preferences and satisfaction with this profession. This is followed by product quality and customers' demand. Though New Zealand wine companies are also driven by the market; the market still does not value CSR initiatives and companies do not receive a price premium for sustainable or organically grown grapes. Furthermore, environmental regulations belong to important drivers affecting companies' decision-making. However, companies do not consider current New Zealand's regulations as significantly difficult to follow. On the other hand, companies want to preempt future regulations. The research also revealed that the most important stakeholders are owners, shareholders, customers, wholesalers and international businesses. The role of communication and ecolabelling is also discussed. As a result, the study proposes a typology matrix that differentiates organizations' involvement in CSR according to the extent of CSR practices and their drivers. This study contributes to understanding of the New Zealand wine industry status in environmental CSR at the present, the extent of drivers of proactive environmentalism and companies' stakeholders, and the description of a typology matrix of companies engaging in CSR. This contribution is valuable for those interested in CSR, and the future of New Zealand's wine industry.