The Victorian Government has released a five-year strategy aimed at shaping the future of the state’s wine industry, creating more regional jobs and helping grow the state’s $9.5 billion wine sector.

The Victorian Wine Strategy was developed in partnership with industry through a steering committee, which included Wine Victoria CEO Stephanie Duboudin and Chair Dan Sims, following extensive consultation.

Reflecting the voices of growers, winemakers, regional associations, and government, the strategy focuses on four pillars, including workforce development, improving the visitor experience, innovation and sustainability of the industry, and expanding domestic and international trade.

Victoria is home to 21 wine regions and more than 400 cellar doors. Together, the industry powers more than 23,000 jobs across grape growing, winemaking, logistics, exports, hospitality and retail.

Over the last two financial years, the Victorian Government in partnership with Wine Victoria, has backed more than 170 wineries through programs that open doors to global trade and new opportunities.

Wine Victoria has appointed Hayley Purbrick, a fifth-generation family member at Tahbilk Winery near Nagambie, as Sustainability and Innovation lead to oversee the strategy’s actualisation. Her position is jointly funded by the Government and Wine Australia.

Minister for Agriculture Ros Spence said: “This strategy will safeguard Victoria’s world-class wine industry, support regional jobs, and help our growers and winemakers thrive in a rapidly changing world.”

Minister for Economic Growth and Jobs Danny Pearson said: “We’re making sure more of our winemakers’ exceptional products get to global markets, strengthening our reputation for world-class wine and creating real opportunities for regional Victorians.”

Wine Victoria CEO Stephanie Duboudin said: “Working with government, we now have the framework to turn these priorities into tangible outcomes for growers, winemakers, and the communities they support.”

Learn more about the strategy here: agriculture.vic.gov.au/crops-and-horticulture/wine-and-grapes/wine-strategy