The Australian Government continues to back in Australia’s world-class wine and cider industry, with $30 million worth of new funding announced for local producers.
In recognition of the importance of this industry and its flow on benefits for regional communities, the Australian Government has extended the popular Wine Tourism and Cellar Door Grant Program for another three years, with the first of three new $10 million rounds opening today.
The program encourages agritourism by supporting producers to sell their wine and cider products at cellar doors, attracting visitors to Australia’s premier wine regions and boosting business for rural and regional communities.
Eligible producers can apply for grants of up to $100,000, which can help support upgrading facilities, boosting workforce capability, and business expansion.
The Australian wine industry’s significant economic contribution, and the importance of agritourism, is highlighted in the Economic Contribution of the Australian Wine Sector 2025 report released by Wine Australia today.
The report shows Australian wine contributes $51.3 billion to the Australian economy and supports more than 200,000 jobs through wine making, grape growing, and tourism.
The independent report underscores the sector’s multiplying effect, where the flow-on from production, experiences and employment contribute significantly higher to the Australian economy than the initial farm gate value.
Since its inception, the Wine Tourism and Cellar Door Grant Program has provided over $60 million to recipients through more than 1000 grants.
Minister for Trade and Tourism Senator Don Farrell said: “With 7.5 million visits to Australian wineries in 2024 alone, the wine sector is a key part of Australia’s attraction as a tourism destination.
“Wine hopping has become a huge fixture of weekend getaways – directly benefiting producers and supporting local economies and creating jobs, particularly in our regions.
“That is why we are supporting our proud wine and cider producers to sell more of their world-class products at their cellar doors.
“The Albanese Labor Government remains committed to opening new export doors for our wine and cider exporters, providing opportunities to diversify trade.”
Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Julie Collins MP said: “I know the Australian grape and wine sector has faced significant challenges over the past few years, which is why the Albanese Labor Government is extending the Wine Tourism and Cellar Door Grant Program.
“There are so many reasons to be proud of Australia’s wine industry, and the release of today’s report from Wine Australia shows the significant contribution the industry makes to the Australian economy. “Our Government values our talented, innovative and hard-working wine industry, and the important contribution they make to their communities, and the country as a whole.”
Wine Australia CEO Dr Martin Cole said: “Wine is produced in 65 wine regions around Australia and is an important part of the communities within these regions. Grape growing, wine production and wine tourism goes beyond farmgate value with economic benefits flowing on to supplier industries, local goods and services used by employees and by tourists.
“We're delighted to administer the Wine Tourism and Cellar Door Grants on behalf of the Australian Government.
“The wine sector attracts visitors from all around the world to regional Australia and providing wine tourism experiences helps these customers connect more deeply to the places and people behind our wines and wine regions."
Round seven of the program, which opens today, will close on 31 October 2025. For more information or to apply, visit: https://www.wineaustralia.com/wine-tourism-andcellar-door-grants
