The Victorian 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 visited Bass River Winery in Glen Forbes to announce it will share in $2 million in the third round of the state government's Wine Growth Fund which will support 78 projects at wineries across Victoria.
Bass River Winery will receive $10,000 to develop an online platform translated for the Japanese market and attend wine trade fairs in Japan and the US to promote Gippsland wine and pinot noir grape varieties, as well as 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, eCommerce 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 Victorian 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 initiative to support Victorian wine producers to create jobs and increase exports.
Taking Our Local Produce to the World
Taking Our Local Produce to the World is a Victorian Government initiative supported by $10 million that will provide assistance to producers of craft food, beer and spirits to help grow their businesses.
In 2018, the industry employed over 6000 people, invested $32.5 million in capital expenditure and generated $229 million in economic activity. Showing just how important these businesses are to local economies, around 65 per cent of all craft brewers in Australia are located in regional and rural areas.
Victoria's export performance 2017-18
- Red wine remained the strongest performer, accounting for 79 per cent of Victoria's wine exports with a value of $287 billion
- White wine exports were valued at $54 million
- Fortified wine exports were valued at $10 million
