WA winery awarded $225,000 grant for production of low- and no-alcohol wines

The Western Australian government has announced $1.13 million in funding for nine projects under round seven of the Regional Economic Development Grants program, including to Rockcliffe Winery to assist in production of low- and zero-alcohol wine.

According to a statement from regional development minister Don Punch on Tuesday, Rockliffe was awarded $225,000 to help purchase and install “Spinning Cone Column technology” to enhance the aroma, flavour and sensory profile of wine.

Market research from global drinks market intelligence firm IWSR in April, wine is the leading performer in the low-alcohol beverage market, and forecast to grow more than 12 per cent by volume over 2023-27. 

The WA government release did not mention it, but spinning cone column technology is a CSIRO invention, developed in the 1980s and commercialised by Griffith, NSW-based Flavourtech. The column remains the company's flagship product.

According to the statement from Punch, the project will help diversify the region's wine industry by adding value throughout the supply chain and tapping into new retail markets, and create four new full-time jobs.

“The Regional Economic Development Grants offer a unique opportunity to diversify our regional economies and create new jobs and sustainable employment opportunities,” said Punch.

Other grant winners include childcare business Allosaurus, and indigenous businesses Tambal Solutions and Wagyl Kaip Southern Noongar Aboriginal Corporation.

Picture: credit Tourism Western Australia