The federal government has announced an additional $10 million in funding support for Australia’s wine and cider industry, through the Wine Tourism and Cellar Door Grants program, which is now on its seventh round.
Earlier this year the government announced $30 million funding to continue the program for another three years, with 204 recipients across the country receiving funding in the first of three $10 million rounds.
In previous rounds, the government stated recipients have used the grants on improving their premises, extra staffing, and to diversify product offering and experiences to make cellar doors more attractive to visitors.
With new trends emerging in Australian palates and overall alcohol consumption continuing to drop, the sector in Australia remains strong, supporting more than 200,000 jobs through wine making, grape growing, and tourism.
Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Julie Collins, said over 7 million tourists visited wineries around the country last year.
“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,” said Collins.
“I’m very excited to announce a new round of very worthy recipients for the Wine Tourism and Cellar Door Grants program. These grants help winemakers and cellar doors make the most of these opportunities and add value to their businesses.
“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.”
