Minister for regional development Jacinta Allan yesterday announced a $62,000 grant to the Victorian Wine Industry Association to study future issues and pathways for the state's $1.3 billion industry.

The study will focus on drought, skills shortages and climate change.

But for now the accolades keep rolling in for the local product.

Belvoir Park Estate was the only Victorian wine to win a Top of Class Award for its 2005 Merlot at the Australian Boutique Winemakers Awards this week.

Belvoir Park winemaker Ian Hall said the winery crushes no more than 20 tonnes each year for its limited edition wines, with a emphasis on quality and intensity of flavour.

He said the merlot was a continual standout performer. And Heathcote's Emeu Inn notched up another place, its sixth, in the Australian Gourmet traveller top Wine Lists.

Inn owner and wine list creator Leslye Thies said the strength of regionality and the restaurant's extensive local collection was proving a strong drawcard for visitors.

For drinkers not initiated into the delights of the region's wines this Saturday could be the perfect way to educate the palate.

Bendigo's own "wine expo" in Rosalind Park will compare some of the region's finest drops with other Australian and international wines, from 11am to 5pm.