The Andrews Labor Government is supporting the 2017 Victorian Wine Show with a $20,000 grant from Round 2 of the Wine Growth Fund to help promote and celebrate the state’s wine industry.
The Victorian Wine Show is the largest gathering of Victorian wines in any one place and judging is taking place this week at Mitchelton Winery in Nagambie.
The grant will be used for initiatives including the establishment of the Premier’s Trophy, which will be awarded to the best wine from the regional wine show winners, making it the ‘champion of champions’.
This new trophy aims to increase appreciation of the diversity and quality of Victoria’s wine regions, and recognises the support of the Labor Government. The 2017 finalists are:
- Lome, Ballarat – 2015 Shiraz
- Tomboy Hill, Daylesford – 2015 Evie’s Picking Pinot Noir
- Barwon Bank, Geelong – 2015 Shiraz
- Bass River, Geelong – 2016 Pinot Noir
- Burke and Wills, Heathcote – 2015 Vat 1 Heathcote Shiraz
- Hunter-Gatherer Vintners, Macedon – 2016 Pinot Noir
- Montalto, Mornington – 2016 Estate Chardonnay
- Rutherglen Estate, Rutherglen – 2014 Limited Release Durif
- Bests, Western – 2017 Riesling
- Giant Steps, Yarra Valley – 2016 Primavera Vineyard Pinot Noir
- Coldstream Hills, Victorian Wine Show – 2015 Deer Farm Pinot Noir
The grant will also fund a travel scholarship for a local winemaker to investigate a grape variety, region, wine style or technique. The winner will extend their knowledge of international wine trends, and bring the new expertise back into the Victorian industry.
It will also allow the wine show to appoint esteemed overseas judges who can then act as ambassadors for Victorian wines, and foster the development of aspiring Victorian wine judges.
The Wine Growth Fund is part of the Labor Government’s $1 million election commitment to develop the state’s wine industry and has so far provided $720,000 in grants for 41 projects across the state.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Agriculture Jaala Pulford
“Victoria’s wine is among the world’s best, and it continues to sparkle thanks to events such as the Victorian Wine Show that cultivate excellence within the industry.”
“This is our very first allocation of funding in Round 2 of the Wine Growth Fund. We’re very excited to invest in the future of our esteemed growers and vineyards across the state.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes
“The Wine Show brings major judges and officials to the heart of Nagambie, which provides a real economic boost for the region – and that’s great for growers in the local town.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020