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.<\/p>\n
Federal Corangamite MP Libby Coker visited the award-winning vineyard last week to celebrate the funding boost.<\/p>\n
“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.<\/p>\n
“We know that when our small and family-run wineries succeed, our community benefits \u2013 through tourism, employment and a stronger regional economy.<\/p>\n
“This support recognises the unique contribution our winemakers make to Corangamite and reinforces our commitment to backing local producers and strengthening regional tourism.”<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
The federal government has committed a further $30 million to continue the scheme for another three years.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
“Last year, over 7 million tourists both from Australia and overseas visited wineries around the country,” she said.<\/p>\n
The Australian wine industry, including grape growing, winemaking and wine tourism, is worth $51.3 billion to the Australian economy.<\/p>\n
“These grants help winemakers and cellar doors make the most of these opportunities and add value to their businesses,” Ms Collins said.<\/p>\n
“With the festive season approaching there is no better time to support Australia’s world-class winemakers and cellar doors.<\/p>\n
“I encourage Australians to make the most of the beautiful weather and holidays by supporting a local winemaker or cellar door.”<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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 […]<\/p>\n