The Australian government has announced $10 million in funding for Australia’s wine and cider industry.
Through the latest round of the Wine Tourism and Cellar Door Grants program, 204 recipients across the country, from Tasmania to the Margaret River, have received funding to support their business operations.
The program, now in its seventh round, provides support to wine and cider producers by encouraging tourism to wine regions.
“I’m very excited to announce a new round of very worthy recipients for the Wine Tourism and Cellar Door Grants program,” said minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Julie Collins.
“Last year, over 7 million tourists both from Australia and overseas visited wineries around the country.
“And they certainly make the most of their trips. The Australian wine industry, including grape growing, winemaking and wine tourism, is worth $51.3 billion to the Australian economy.”
In previous rounds, recipients have used the grants to improve premises, employ additional staff and broaden product offerings and experiences to make cellar doors more appealing to visitors.
Earlier this year, the Australian government committed $30 million to continue the program for another three years, with the first of three new $10 million rounds announced today.
A recent report from Wine Australia noted that the wine industry contributes $51.3 billion to the Australian economy and supports more than 200,000 jobs through wine making, grape growing and tourism.
“These grants help winemakers and cellar doors make the most of these opportunities and add value to their businesses,” said Collins.
“With the festive season approaching there is no better time to support Australia’s word-class winemakers and cellar doors.
“I encourage Australians to make the most of the beautiful weather and holidays by supporting a local winemaker or cellar door.”
The Australian government has provided more than $80 million in funding to the grape and wine sector.
Dining and Cooking