The Victorian government has invested $160,000 to support the sustainability and profitability of the state’s wine industry, matched by $240,000 from Wine Australia. The funds will help Wine Victoria to provide the wine industry with the knowledge, tools and resources needed to improve practices and outcomes.
Wine is an integral part of Victoria’s regional economy, providing jobs at wineries, vineyards, and cellar doors and contributes $9.5 billion to the Victorian economy. The industry attracts visitors from across the state and around the world into Victoria’s wine regions, proving to be an enduring and popular tourist drawcard.
The government is aiming to back the wine industry through market development programs, including the $4.5 million Wine to the World export program. It is also working closely with industry to create new opportunities through the Victorian Wine Strategy, which is set to be launched later in 2025.
The strategy has been co-designed with the Victorian wine industry, following extensive industry engagement in 2024-25. It focuses on improving domestic and international trade, innovation and sustainability, tourism, and people and community.
Victorian Minister for Agriculture, Ros Spence, said the government supports the wine industry because it creates real jobs – in winemaking, tourism and beyond.
“Behind every one of those jobs is a worker with a family, contributing to their community and local economy – we’re on their side,” said Spence.
The combined funds from the Victorian government and Wine Australia total $400,000, which will be used to expand services, and provide relevant and targeted advice, information and support to grape growers and winemakers to improve sustainability and innovation.
Wine Australia CEO, Martin Cole, said the organisation recognises that grape growers and winemakers are at their best when they're supported by people who understand their unique regional challenges and opportunities.
“Investing in extension services will strengthen the connection between research and industry, tailoring support and solutions to support future growth,” said Cole.
More information on the Victorian Wine Strategy is available at agriculture.vic.gov.au.
