The Andrews Labor Government has backed the Grampians’ wine industry with a $91,450 package to increase Australian and overseas markets, boost wine tourism and grow wine businesses in the region.
Visiting Montara Winery near Ararat, Parliamentary Secretary to the Premier Colin Brooks announced the funding, which will be sourced from the $1 million Wine Growth Fund (WGF) on a dollar-to-dollar co-contribution to support the Grampian’s distinct cool climate wine region.
The Government has provided one of six grants to Montara Winery for a $30,000 cellar door expansion project which will allow the business to meet increasing demand for events and functions throughout the year.
The six successful projects range from strategic marketing and brand planning to infrastructure upgrades and include:
- The Great Southern Road Trip Food & Wine Itinerary, $17,000
- The Mount Langi Ghiran Picnic Idyll, $3,950
- T. Richardson Wines cellar door/visitor facility, $20,000
- The Grampians Winemakers Strategic Marketing and Brand Plan, $5,500
- The Grampians and Pyrenees Regional Wine Tourism Master plan, $30,000.
These projects will increase tourism to the region’s unique wineries and boost the local economy.
Victoria’s wine industry comprises 800 wineries and 3,000 vineyards, employing 12,000 people and generating $1.5 billion each year.
The Wine Growth Fund aims to grow the industry by providing innovative growers, organisations and projects with funding to expand.
It supports grants of up to $20,000 for individual organisations and $50,000 for collaborative projects.
Quote attributable to Parliamentary Secretary to the Premier Colin Brooks
“The Grampians region produces premium wine that is the envy of the nation – that’s why we’re supporting the local industry to ensure the world continues to demand our products.”
Quote attributable to Minister for Agriculture and Regional Development Jaala Pulford
“The Andrew Labor Government is proud to support 6 innovative wine industry projects in the Grampians with $91,450 – ensuring sustainable growth for some of the regions most distinguished wine growers and producers.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020