Bellarine wineries receive fresh flow of federal funds

SCOTCHMANS Hill has secured federal funding through a national program backing cellar door tourism, with $100,000 flowing to the Bellarine in the latest round.

Federal Corangamite MP Libby Coker visited the award-winning vineyard last week to celebrate the funding boost.

“The Bellarine is home to some of Australia’s best cool-climate wines and most welcoming cellar doors, and this investment will help them continue to thrive,” she said.

“We know that when our small and family-run wineries succeed, our community benefits – through tourism, employment and a stronger regional economy.

“This support recognises the unique contribution our winemakers make to Corangamite and reinforces our commitment to backing local producers and strengthening regional tourism.”

Scotchmans Hill is among 204 recipients nationwide sharing in $10 million in funding support through the Australian government’s Wine Tourism and Cellar Door Grants program.

The program provides grants to wine and cider producers who invest in tourism-focused operations at their cellar doors. Past grants have supported site upgrades, additional staffing and expanded visitor experiences.

The federal government has committed a further $30 million to continue the scheme for another three years.

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Julie Collins, said the growing popularity of winery tourism across the country underlined the value of continued investment in the sector.

“Last year, over 7 million tourists both from Australia and overseas visited wineries around the country,” she said.

The Australian wine industry, including grape growing, winemaking and wine tourism, is worth $51.3 billion to the Australian economy.

“These grants help winemakers and cellar doors make the most of these opportunities and add value to their businesses,” Ms Collins said.

“With the festive season approaching there is no better time to support Australia’s world-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.”