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 Bass River Winery in Glen Forbes to announce it will share in $2 million in the third round of the Labor Government’s Wine Growth Fund, which will support 78 projects at wineries across Victoria.
The winery will receive $10,000 to develop an online platform translated for the Japanese market and attend wine trade fairs in Japan and US to promote Gippsland wine and pinot noir grape varieties – establishing wine trade connections through Wine Australia’s networks.
Bass River Winery will collaborate with at least two other Gippsland wine producers - Purple Hen at Phillip Island and Dirty Three Wines of Inverloch.
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 cafe 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.
Taking Our Local Produce to the World, supported by $10 million in the Victorian Budget 2019/20, will also provide assistance to producers of craft food, beer and spirits to help grow their businesses.
Quotes attributable to 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 from key markets like Japan 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.”
Quote attributable to Member for Bass Jordan Crugnale
“Gippsland has a wealth of fantastic vineyards, and it’s exciting to be able to support them to show off our state’s wine to the whole world.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020