Victorian distillers can now apply for grants to help them upscale their operations and create new and unique visitor experiences.
As part of the Distillery Door Program, Distillery Support grants are now open for eligible distillers:
- Infrastructure Grants of up to $20,000 are available to support business operations and efficiency through investment and improvements in on-site infrastructure.
- Boosting Visitor Economy Grants of up to $70,000 are available to establish or enhance a distillery door and attract more visitors to enjoy unique and innovative experiences.
Agriculture Victoria Executive Director, Policy and Programs, Sarah-Jane McCormack, said the grants will showcase distillery doors across Victoria and encourage people to sample the state's best spirits.
"Victoria is an epicurean tourist destination, and the Distillery Door Program will strengthen Victoria's reputation as a premium spirit producer."
"These grants are a great first step in helping distillers grow their businesses and further enrich our state's tourism experiences," said Ms McCormack.
Victoria's distillery industry is a relatively new sector, but it is already punching above its weight and gaining international recognition.
For example, earlier this year Starward Distillery, a Port Melbourne whiskey producer, was the first Victorian label to take home the Most Awarded Distiller of the Year award at the World Spirits Competition in San Francisco.
President of Spirits Victoria Association, Dave Irwin said the Distillery Door Program is a tremendous outcome for Victorian Distillers.
"The Program will support Victoria's distillers to be the safest, best trained and export-ready distillers."
"The grants will provide a real boost to the distillery experience allowing our talented distillers and their stories to shine," said Mr Irwin.
The grants are part of the $10 million Distillery Door Program.
Designed in consultation with industry, the Program will provide support to distillers over two years to develop skills, boost the visitor economy, develop infrastructure, and increase export capability.
