Cellar doors will now be open for tastings over the Queen’s Birthday weekend after the Andrews Government today bowed to pressure from the Liberal Nationals and industry.
New guidelines were released to permit cellar doors to reopen, as is already the case for those in NSW and South Australia.
From 1 June, cellar doors will be able to offer free tastings to seated customers.
Wineries with a restaurant or café will be able to sell alcohol by the bottle or glass and also be able to sell wine tasting experiences if they are served with a seated meal.
Comments attributable to Shadow Minister for Liquor and Gaming, Steph Ryan:
“The Andrews Government’s restrictions on cellar doors would have caused Victorian wineries to lose thousands of dollars over the long weekend.
“This backflip means wineries can now reopen their cellar doors in line with NSW and South Australia.
“Cellar door sales are the lifeblood of many smaller wineries and many stood to lose thousands because of the government’s illogical restrictions.
“I’m pleased common sense has finally prevailed.”
