- Minister for Agriculture
The Andrews Labor Government is backing Victoria’s world-class wine industry, with a grants program to support the growth of the state’s wineries, increase visitors to wine regions, boost exports and support local jobs.
Minister for Regional Development and Agriculture Jaclyn Symes today visited Mount Langi Ghiran winery in Avoca to announce $2 million for the third round of the Labor Government’s Wine Growth Fund, which will support 78 projects at wineries across Victoria.
For over 30 years all fruit processed at Mount Langi Ghiran has gone through a single processing line regardless of quality. Their grant of $25,000 will support them to install a separate premium wine processing line to process premium fruit and gently remove the stems with minimal mechanical damage to the berries.
The fund is expected to provide a boost of around $12 million to the wine industry across the state with projects including cellar doors, kitchen and café upgrades, wine production facility developments, e-commerce programs, accommodation initiatives and vineyard improvement works.
The first two rounds of the Wine Growth Fund supported 106 projects, attracting investment of approximately $6.8 million into the state’s wine industry which is worth $7.6 billion to the Victorian economy and employs around 13,000 people, mostly in regional areas.
The Wine Growth Fund is part of the Labor Government’s commitment to boost the wine industry in Victoria, alongside the Wine Industry Development Strategy and the formation of the Wine Industry Ministerial Advisory Committee.
In addition, the government will continue to support the wine industry through Wine to the World, a $5 million election commitment to support Victorian wine producers to create jobs and increase exports.
The $10 million election commitment Taking Our Local Produce to the World will also provide assistance to producers of craft food, beer and spirits to help grow their businesses.
As noted by Minister for Regional Development Jaclyn Symes
“I am thrilled to announce the third round of the Wine Growth Fund – providing Victoria’s best winemakers with the support to grow their businesses and boost visitors to our beautiful wine regions.”
“Victorian winemakers produce some fantastic wines, and we’re proud to back this industry to keep growing well into the future.”
As stated by Member for Western Victoria Jaala Pulford
“The winemakers of the Grampians and Pyrenees produce some of our greatest wines and it’s wonderful to see the ideas and projects they’re developing whether they’re about more cellar door visitors, more exports or food matching.”
