Three-year partnership targets a stronger Victorian wine sector

A three-year joint programme

Wine Australia and Wine Victoria have announced a three-year partnership that will fund a range of projects across Victoria’s wine industry. The initiatives are intended to provide practical support for the state’s grapegrowers and winemakers while contributing to the longer-term strength of the sector.

The collaboration will assist with delivery of the Victorian Wine Strategy 2025–2030. Projects funded through the partnership must also align with the One Grape & Wine Sector Plan, linking the state-level programme with broader priorities for the grape and wine sector. The announcement does not specify the partnership’s total funding, the financial contribution of each organisation or a complete list of selected projects.

Sustainability and preparedness

Four principal areas have been identified. The first is sustainability, with projects expected to support the longer-term operation of grape and wine businesses. Another priority is stronger biosecurity preparedness, intended to help the sector improve its readiness for plant health and other biological risks.

The partnership will also promote data-driven decision making. This signals an emphasis on helping wine businesses use available information more effectively when making operational and strategic choices. However, the material released so far does not identify particular data platforms, digital tools or measurement methods that may be introduced through the programme.

These priorities may contribute to the industry’s wider resilience, although the announcement does not set out specific climate adaptation measures or related performance targets.

Export capability and practical support

Improving the export capability of Victorian wine businesses is the fourth stated priority. The projects are intended to offer practical assistance, including support delivered through field days. The available information does not provide a full schedule or explain eligibility requirements, intended export markets, individual project timelines or how participating businesses will be selected.

The partnership therefore establishes a shared framework for connecting Victoria’s wine strategy with wider sector objectives. Its impact will depend on the design and delivery of the individual projects, with further detail needed before their expected outcomes can be assessed.

The original announcement was reported by Grapegrower & Winemaker.