Cheers to that

MT DUNEED Estate has secured a $250,000 state government grant to build eight luxury accommodation pods at the winery.

A popular wedding destination and site for major events such as the A Day On The Green concerts, the winery getting an expansion of its on-stay facilities will help boost visitation to the area, according to Victorian Major Events and Tourism Minister Martin Pakula.

“Mt Duneed Estate already attracts diners, wine lovers, and music fans, and this project means they’ll be able to stay longer and enjoy all the region has to offer,” he said while visiting the site last Friday (May 6).

Work on the accommodation is due to begin this year and finish mid 2023, supporting five jobs during construction and a further two once complete.

The winery’s director Mark Whelan said a builder for the $780,000 project was yet to be selected but will be “heavily localised”.

The final structures will include a sleeping area for two, bathroom and decking that looks out over the estate’s vineyards, and will be located on the western side of the main winery building.

“Since we came out of lockdowns we’ve been really busy with events, the corporate events market is opening back up … with a view to more concerts next summer,” Mr Whelan said.

“It will definitely complement the events side of things, particularly weddings, because at the moment most of the guests have to go back to Geelong or Torquay.”

South Barwon MP Darren Cheeseman said the new accommodation would complement the popular destination.

“Mount Duneed Estate is an iconic location and the new luxury pods will entice more visitors to enjoy the splendour of the Barrabool Hills,” he said.

The project is being funded via the state government’s Regional Tourism Investment Fund, with the remaining capital contributions coming from Mt Duneed Estate.