A Helping Hand

After a devastating bushfire season there is a way all of us can help local winegrowers get back on their feet. Kate Day explains.

It’s been a hectic start to 2020 to say the least, and I am not just talking about the lack of AFDs (alcohol free days)! However, on a serious note, it’s hard to celebrate the start of a new decade with the utter destruction, loss and sadness that these unprecedented fires have caused to so many communities, animals and our country as a whole. Adelaide Hills in South Australia has been one of the worst hit wine regions, with nearly a third of the region’s vineyards lost in late December. It’s a huge blow to the livelihood of many growers and wineries, as well as to tourism to the region. It’s devastating to growers heading into their busiest time of the year. Many will now have a five-year lag until replanted vineyards are viable and producing again, on top of having to deal with smoke taint in any of their remaining vines.

I know that many of us not directly affected by these fires want to help, and already have in our own way. May I suggest that, once you have implemented your New Year exercise regime and had a few AFDs, that you look to replenishing your wine cellar with wines from the Adelaide Hills, and specifically from the wineries which were worst hit by this tragedy. Supporting them by buying direct from the winery and not through national retailers puts 100% of the profits back in their pockets to help with the rebuilding process. We are one, but we are many. And as Australians we will all stand together and rise from the ashes as we have done before, and do so with the amazing Aussie spirit that we all share. Now that is something to raise a glass to.

Tilbrook Estate and New Era Vineyards both lost everything. Their entire livelihood gone in one afternoon, vineyards, winery, stock and machinery. Please keep them in your minds and abreast of fund raising activities via their websites or social media.

TILBROOK ESTATE

NEW ERA VINEYARDS

Other wineries you can purchase wine directly from are as below:

VINTELOPER

ANDERSON HILL WINES

TURON WINES

BARRISTERS BLOCK

TOMICH WINES

GOLDING WINES

BIRD IN HAND WINES

SIMON TOLLEY WINES

NOVA VITA WINES

ART WINE

HOWARD VINEYARDS

GEOFF WEAVER

HENSCHKE WINES

RIPOSTE WINES

PETALUMA

EMMELINE WINES

Kate Day is a sommelier and wine making expert who will be presenting special workshops at various Gorgeous Excuse events in 2020 – watch our website to see when she is on next!