The Australian Distillers Association welcomes the Andrews Government’s announcement yesterday to invest $10 million in distillery door grants over the next two years.

This investment will directly benefit the 104 distilleries located throughout Victoria, who buy produce from local farmers, attract tourists to the regions, and create jobs, both within their own operations and in the services and supply chains.

Chris Pratt, Australian Distillers Association Victorian spokesperson and owner of Kilderkin Distillery in Ballarat, said:

“This is wonderful news for Victorian craft distillers. We will be able to invest more in our distillery doors to encourage more people to sample Victorian spirits and enjoy a unique and innovative distillery experience leading to further employment opportunities in Victoria.

“We are very pleased the government has recognised the contribution of the craft spirits industry to the Victorian economy, especially in regional areas where many distilleries are based. We thank the Andrews Government for their ongoing support.”

Dave Irwin, President of Spirits Victoria Association and owner of Patient Wolf in Southbank Melbourne, said:

“This is a great result for Victorian producers and consumers. This significant grant program will help to grow a burgeoning spirits industry. Spirit producers will be able to employ more people and positively impact the farmers and businesses that support them. More distillery doors will mean more consumers get to experience innovative products created by passionate people, and will enrich local tourism offerings.”

Holly Klintworth from Bass & Flinders in Dromana, who has been operating a cellar door since 2014, said:

“We get 20,000 visitors to our distillery door every year and with this grant we hope to use the funds to reinvest into additional resources to improve our visitor experience. This announcement will drive more people to the Mornington Peninsula.”

Russ Watson, founder of Bellarine Distillery on the Bellarine Peninsula said:

“We have a vibrant cellar door. Everything is made on the premises. This is going to help us develop what we have on our property. We have plans to build a new distillery and this will go a long way to making this happen sooner. This announcement will create jobs.”

Stu Gregor, President of Australian Distillers Association and co-founder of Four Pillars in Healesville, said:

“The announcement from the Andrews Government will mean more jobs for Victorians – especially in the regions and importantly, jobs that people will love. Craft distillers are passionate about the innovative and world class products they make.

“The ADA looks forward to working with the Andrews Government to ensure the program meets its stated objectives of supporting local jobs and investment in a financially responsible and sustainable way.”