Spirits high with Yackandandah distillery support

Family owned and operated distillery Backwoods Distilling Company will receive a boost thanks to a grant from the Victorian Government.

The distillery, located in the Victorian town of Yackandandah, will receive the grant of $92,000 under the Small-Scale and Craft Program to help the business create a space where visitors can sample, buy and learn about the company’s products.

The grant will also allow Backwoods to triple its spirit production, from 3000 litres to up to 9000 litres a year.

Bree and Leigh Attwood have run the distillery since 2017 and believe the grant will help their business move to the next level.

“It’s been a challenging year, and this support from government has meant our goal of opening to the public for tastings and sales is quickly becoming a reality,” Bree said.

The distillery will also be a place to collaborate with other craft producers to host events that highlight the region’s food and drink businesses, creating a more exciting experience.

The Small-Scale and Craft Program Business Development Grants are part of the Government’s $10.2 million commitment over four years to support the sector.

Minister for Agriculture Jaclyn Symes said small-scale and craft agribusinesses play a vital role in Victoria’s regional tourism and its reputation as a producer of quality food and beverages.

“I know many people will be keen to get back out exploring regional Victoria and supporting our small businesses,” Symes said.

“By backing projects like this, we’re helping producers get back on their feet and throw open the doors to those eager visitors.”

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