Raising a glass to the future of victorian wine

Victoria produces some of the best drops in the world, and thanks to the Andrews Labor Government even more tourists, connoisseurs and locals will get the opportunity to try the perfect glass with the launch of the Wine Industry Development Strategy and round two of the Wine Growth Fund.

Member for Macedon Mary-Anne Thomas announced the next stage of the Wine Growth Fund today at the picturesque Granite Hills Winery in Baynton, providing a pathway to capture new opportunities and address challenges the industry has experienced in trading and production over the past decade.

The wine strategy is structured around four key "platforms" which address:

adaptation to business and production challenges;

increasing tourist numbers and expenditure in Victorian wine regions;

developing profitable and sustainable export markets; and increasing industry coordination.

The Andrews Labor Government is backing the Strategy with the Wine Growth Fund which provides innovative growers and businesses with funding for projects from the vineyard to the cellar door to grow Victoria’s wine industry.

The second round of Wine Growth Fund announced today will see a total of $893,000 provided to the wine industry across the state. Grants will align with industry priorities as reflected in the strategy.

Victoria’s wine industry plays a vital role in regional and rural economies, directly contributing an estimated $7.6 billion to the Victorian economy and directly employing nearly 13,000 people.

The Victorian Wine Industry Development Strategy 2017-2021, Wine Growth Fund and appointment of the Wine Industry Ministerial Advisory Committee are the result of the Labor Government’s $1 million election commitment to develop the state’s wine industry.

Information on the Wine Growth Fund can be found at http://www.rdv.vic.gov.au/investment-and-trade/wine-growth-fund

Quotes attributable to Member for Macedon Mary-Anne Thomas
"The Macedon region is world renowned for producing some of the finest wines in Australia. Through our Wine Growth Fund, we will help growers further their potential to attract more visitors and capitalise on their export potential."

"This new strategy will foster an industry that is more better informed , coordinated, skilled and profitable."