Winemakers to reap rewards of growth fund

31 Jan 2018 Benalla Ensign, Benalla VIC (General News) North East Victorias wine industry continues to bear fruit with the announcement of the state governments Wine Growth Fund Round Two recipients. State Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes recently visited Dal Zotto Wines at Whitfield to announce more than $50 000 in funding for King Valley wine makers. The projects include: Dal Zotto Wines Vineyard floor management to reduce environmental impact by changing vineyard practices; Darling Estate Winery redevelopment of website to increase online sales; Pizzini Wines renovation of tobacco kilns for an artist in residence program and pop-up shop for artisan producers; Sam Miranda of King Valley Develop a space for a cooking school and function area including a wood-fired pizza oven. The state government is also working with the Wines of King Valley on the development of the King Valley Prosecco Road Plan to develop a business case and blueprint. The successful projects aim to increase wine tourism and cellar door sales, improve strategic planning and marketing, improve vineyard production, reduce environmental impact and attract even more tourists and wine lovers. We already know the King Valley produces some of the best wine in the world and Labor is helping these local businesses make significant improvements to help them grow even further, Ms Symes said. Whether its the perfect Sangiovese or world-renowned Prosecco, you can be guaranteed to find your perfect drop right across our award-winning King Valley region. This fund is helping the wine industry maximise the opportunities available to better market and export some of Australias best wine. The Wine Growth Fund aims to develop and sustainably grow the wine industry in Victoria by providing innovative growers, organisations and projects with funding to build domestic and international markets. Victorias wine industry plays a vital role in regional and rural economies, contributing an estimated $7.6 billion to the Victorian economy and employing nearly 13 000 people. Caption Text: Boost: Winemakers in the King Valley will receive more than $50 000 in funding as part of the state governments Wine Growth Fund.Licensed by Copyright Agency. You may only copy or communicate this work with a licence.