Geelong vineyards toast state grants

A QUARTET of vineyards across the Geelong region are toasting their success after being named among the recipients in the latest round of the state government’s Wine Growth Fund.

The fund supports wine businesses to innovate and grow in a range of areas aligned to the industry’s strategic direction.

Funding in the fund’s second round went to the Baie Insider digital project at Baie Wines, a cellar improvement project at Lethbridge Wines, redevelopment of an online marketing strategy at Pondalowie Vineyards and the Moorabool Valley Wine Club project at Austins Wines.

Baie Wines co-owner Nadine Kuc said the Curlewis winery was excited to have received funding towards its new customer rewards program, which would have been a much longer-term project without the state government’s support.

“We are so honoured to receive this grant from the Victorian government. It indicates that they are really supportive of our world-class wine region and without such funding this project wouldn’t be launching next month.

“We have known for a long time that we want to work with supporters of Baie to thank them – and we really do believe that we have listened to what they want and have got it right.

“We called the program Baie Insider as we intend for the people who join, to truly be brought into the world of Baie – they have access to exclusive events, offers and rewards that no one else does.

“This is an innovative concept for a small-batch winery like ours but it’s something we have always felt passionate about.”

Baie Insider will be launched at Baie Wines on July 6.

Minister for Agriculture and Regional Development Jaala Pulford announced the grants last week, saying they would help take Victorian wine to the world.

“The Wine Growth Fund aims to grow the industry by providing innovative growers, organisations and projects with funding to expand – supporting activities from the vineyard to the cellar door nd
beyond.

“Whether it’s a Glamping Experience at Balgownie, a King Valley Prosecco Road Plan, or by providing more cellar door opportunities, the Andrews Labor Government is getting on with supporting our wine growing businesses.”