THE State Government has backed another regional tourism experience on the ‘Prosecco Road’ in the King Valley, supporting Darling Estate’s new cellar door that will help draw more visitors to the region and support local jobs and businesses.

Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes congratulated Darling Estate on the official opening of their new cellar door, which the government supported through a $170,000 investment from the Regional Tourism Investment Fund.

“Victoria’s High Country offers some wonderful, unique culinary experiences, and Darling Estate’s new cellar door will offer visitors another opportunity to enjoy some new and exciting food and wine when they visit the Prosecco Road," she said.

Incorporating building materials that have been recycled from the estate’s historic shearing shed, Darling Estate’s new cellar door will allow the winery to offer a year-round tourism experience by providing an all-weather venue for tastings and events.

Darling Estate’s new cellar door building includes a commercial kitchen and veranda, as well as more car and mini-bus parking to better accommodate groups visiting the boutique, family-run winery.

“The support for our new cellar door means we can continue to grow the legacy our family has built here in the King Valley for over 100 years and share that legacy with even more people, year-round - that’s incredibly rewarding," Darling Estate winemaker Sophie Darling said.

Taking inspiration from the hills of northern Italy, the birthplace of prosecco, the ‘Prosecco Road’ in Victoria's High Country has made a name for itself amongst wine lovers as a region that produces great, Mediterranean-inspired wines made by some of the state’s most innovative makers.

Darling Estate’s new cellar door will offer visitors to the Prosecco Road another exciting venue as they drive or cycle the trail, enjoying intimate tastings with the makers and rustic cuisine options.

The Regional Tourism Investment Fund is helping tourism operators in Victoria to fund new and improved tourism infrastructure projects that will increase visitor numbers and improve visitor experiences.

Victorian Minster for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos said the Victorian Government is proud to support this project through the Regional Tourism Investment Fund to help draw more visitors to Victoria’s regional destinations and support the jobs and businesses that call them home.

For more information about Darling Estate’s new cellar door, visit darlingestate.com.au