February 26th, 2025Raising spirits: grants open to boost Victorian distilleries

The Victorian state government says it is supporting local distillers to expand production, create innovative new products and reach more customers.

Minister for Agriculture Ros Spence in recent days visited the Bakery Hill Distillery in Kensington to announce the opening of applications for the Business Growth Fit-for Purpose grants as part of the Distillery Door Program.

Grants of up to $200,000 are available for tailored projects that help distillers to grow their business with new equipment, technology, or promotional projects. 

The grants encourage investment in areas that will expand distilleries, create new opportunity and growth for the industry. 

Bakery Hill Distillery has previously benefited from the Distillery Door Program, receiving a grant of $63,180 to set up a tasting room bar at their new distillery from the Boosting Visitor Economy and Infrastructure stream.

Internationally renowned for its single malt whiskies, Bakery Hill Distillery has been family-owned and operated for over 20 years.

The Distillery Door Program has provided over $7 million in direct funding to support and enhance Victoria’s distillery industry by creating new jobs and opportunities for local distillery businesses.

Victoria is the distillery capital of the nation with more than 180 distillers that employ over 9,000 people in rewarding jobs across regional and metropolitan Victoria.

Applications will close on March 25 with further details at agriculture.vic.gov.au.

Minister for Agriculture Ros Spence: “Victoria is home to some of the finest distilleries, producing world-class spirits that showcase local craftsmanship, create jobs, and position the state as the Australian leader of premium, homegrown spirits.”

“These grants will provide significant support to help Victorian distilleries expand, upgrade their equipment, and bring more locally made products to market.” 

Andrew Baker Bakery Hill Distillery: “The Government’s support through the Distillery Door Program has allowed Bakery Hill and many other distilleries to expand operations, open a distillery door to the public, and in our case, helped us get closer to increasing production and expanding into new domestic and overseas markets.” 

This story based on a state government media release