Victoria’s Tourism and Major Events Minister Tim Holding has launched the 2008-2009 Wine Regions of Victoria Touring Guide, an initiative hoped to attract more visitors to regional Victoria.

“The Brumby Government is continuing to promote the wonderful food and wine regional Victoria has to offer and boost local, interstate and overseas visitors,” Mr Holding suggested. “With 2900 vineyards and 850 wineries across 21 wine regions, Victoria has the most diverse wine industry in the country. The new Guide is reliable, accessible and comprehensive and will lead tourists to our cellar doors.”

“On the doorstep of a sophisticated and cosmopolitan city, Victoria’s wine regions are a magnet for day-tripping Melburnians, interstate wine lovers and international visitors alike,” he added. “Wineries across regional Victoria attract hundreds of thousands of local, interstate and international tourists every year contributing $493 million to Victoria’s economy.”

Also launched in Bendigo today was the ‘Life’s a Dish – The Next Course’ program which sees the signature dishes of 12 leading restaurants in the region served on limited edition Bendigo Pottery plates, which diners may buy and take home.

“Life’s a Dish is a fantastic idea showcasing local artists, Bendigo Pottery and the best local produce matched to the region’s award winning wines,” Mr Holding said. “It is through initiatives such as Life’s a Dish that Victoria’s tourism industry can continue to grow in these difficult economic times.”

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