A winery in Young is set for major improvements to its storage infrastructure, boosting its wine holding capacity to meet a growing demand for Australian export ready wine, thanks to the NSW Government’s Regional Job Creation Fund.
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke MP said a $100,000 grant will help Grove Estate Wines improve its storage facilities to cater for exports to Canada and other international markets, creating up to five full time jobs for the region.
Ms Cooke said the upgrades will help the winery make insulation improvements to prevent temperature variations, keeping wines between 12 – 19 degrees in good humidity to allow the wines to develop in a controlled environment before exporting.
“The demand for quality Australian wines continues to grow around the world and Grove Estate produces award winning wines that exemplify the rich and well-balanced wines that are synonymous with the Hilltops region,” Ms Cooke said.
“Grove Estate Wines will renovate its existing cool stores to minimise light exposure and control environmental temperatures so more wines can be export ready, as it continues to look at more export markets in Asia and the Pacific.”
Viticulturist at Grove Estate Wines Brian Mullany said the funding will help increase the quantity of wines available for export and create new jobs in Young.
“We are looking forward to expanding our presence in international markets, and introducing more overseas consumers to the excellent wine from the Hilltops,” Mr Mullany said.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said the $130 million Regional Job Creation Fund aims to create more than 6,500 new direct jobs in regional NSW by providing incentives to expand and keep operations in regional areas.
“Regional NSW is the engine room of the state and helping companies like Grove Estate Wines expand its operations stimulates local and regional economies, boosts livelihoods and creates local employment opportunities,” Mr Toole said.
“Providing businesses with the opportunity to fast track their growth plans and expand their operations means they can increase their production, attract more investment and create new jobs today, which is great news for the local economy.
“Setting businesses up for success helps the local community grow and new jobs mean more people earning a wage and spending their pay packets in local stores, cafés, restaurants and on local goods and services.”
The Regional Job Creation Fund supports eligible businesses with grants to purchase new equipment, expand facilities, acquire technology, create new production lines or establish businesses in regional NSW.
Round one of the Regional Job Creation Fund has now closed. A second round will open in early 2022. For more information, go to: investregionalnsw.com/RJCFund.
