THE Macedon Ranges Wine Region is richer with a $68,775 package to increase its penetration into Australian and overseas markets, boost wine tourism and grow local businesses in the region.
Member for Macedon Mary-Anne Thomas was joined by the Minister for Regional Development, Jaala Pulford at a local winery to announce the funding from the $1.5 million Wine Growth Fund.
Passing Clouds winery, in conjunction with Daylesford Spa Country Railway, will receive $30,000 to expand its tasting room and build a railway platform as a stop for the tourist train.
Other projects in Macedon Ranges Wine Region set to receive funding include: Granite Hills Wines, to develop exports to Asia, Guildford Vineyard and Cellar, to improve tourist and function facilities, Sandy Farm Winery, to establish walking tracks with fitness points that lead to the winery and Wilimee, to implement sustainable wine practices.
The Wine Growth Fund supports wine businesses to innovate and grow in a range of areas aligned to the industry’s strategic direction, and the Wine Strategy.
Grants from round one and round two of the Wine Growth Fund represent a total investment of $1.6 million towards the Victorian wine industry.
Victoria’s wine industry continues to sparkle on the world stage, with 800 wineries and 3000 vineyards across the state, employing 12,000 people and generating $1.5 billion each year.
Ms Thomas said that nothing tastes sweeter than success and Macedon growers can be proud of their efforts in developing sustainable, attractive and innovative projects that will see wine sippers flock to the region.
“The Wine Growth Fund aims to grow the industry by providing innovative growers, organisations and projects with funding to expand. It supports activities from the vineyard to the cellar door and beyond,” Ms Thomas said.
Ms Pulford praised the diversity and character to Macedon Ranges wines. She congratulated the funding recipients for their ideas and passion.
“With the Macedon Ranges on Melbourne’s doorstep, visiting regional Victoria just keep getting better. The region is bringing wine, food and culture together and nothing could be better than that,” Ms Pulford said.
