The Andrews Labor Government today launched a major inbound wine trade mission that will

see more than 150 international buyers from Asia, Europe and the Middle East come to

Victoria’s cellar doors.

Minister for Agriculture, Jaala Pulford, launched Meet the Winemaker – the first ever large-scale

trade event tailored to Victoria’s wine industry – at the Scotchman’s Hill vineyard near Geelong.

Meet the Winemaker forms part of the Victoria Invitation Program and will introduce

international delegates to Victoria’s key winemakers, showcasing our local wine and allowing

businesses to build new export opportunities.

The trade mission has attracted industry buyers, investors and influencers from China, Japan,

South Korea, Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, India, the Philippines and the United Arab

Emirates (UAE).

Wine is one of Victoria’s most valuable exports, with current exports sitting around 120 million

litres per year to almost 80 countries. The Victorian wine industry employs more than 11,500

people locally and generates more than $1 billion a year in revenue.

The Labor Government has a comprehensive plan to boost Victoria’s wine industry, generating

more jobs and a stronger economy.

The 2015-16 Victorian Budget highlighted this commitment with $1 million to develop the

Victorian Wine Tourism Strategy and a Wine Industry Ministerial Advisory Group.

The Strategy and Advisory Group, along with the trade mission, will help grow our wine regions

now and into the future.

Meet the Winemaker will run from 25-28 May 2015, with participation from more than 100

wineries across all 21 Victorian wine regions including the Mornington Peninsula, Heathcote,

Yarra Valley, Bendigo, King Valley, and Rutherglen.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Agriculture, Jaala Pulford

“We’re bringing the world to our cellar door, showcasing the superb wines, vineyards and dining

that Victoria has to offer.”

“Meet the Winemaker will see the Victorian wine industry take to the international stage like

never before, building new ventures and bringing more investment.”

“Victoria’s food and fibre sector – which includes the wine industry – is primed for extraordinary

growth. We’re focusing on it to create local jobs and boost exports.”