While so many industries and businesses are doing it tough right now, the Australian wine industry has been hit especially hard this year.
The ongoing drought saw decreased yields in many vineyards, but thankfully the quality of fruit has been reported to be superb. Next, devastating bushfires wiped out some vineyards in locations such as Adelaide Hills while others sustained smoke taint damage. Then COVID-19 hit and cellar doors closed as well as bars, restaurants and licensed venues.
However, Australians are buying alcohol in record numbers while in self-isolation and while we advocate everything in moderation, why not show your support and buy from local wineries. Choose a winery you enjoyed on your last wine trip before lockdown, perhaps you have a favourite winemaker you’d like to throw your support behind or maybe discover a totally new winery?
Here are some of our favourite family owned Australian wineries to support:
The Lane Vineyard, Adelaide Hills
The Lane Vineyard in the Adelaide Hills is the scene of one our favourite cellar door experiences and while you might not be able to visit right now and sample their ‘gathering experience’ – wines paired with tempting tastes from the Chef, you can order The Lane wines to be delivered to your door. Their Lois Sparkling wine would make the perfect Mother’s Day gift too.
Greenway Wines, Hunter Valley
You’ll find Greenway Wines in a picturesque Red Barn on the family run vineyard in the Broke region of the Hunter Valley. Owner Anne Greenway is the ultimate charming and welcoming host so we’re especially saddened to hear of their closure due to nearby fires earlier this year, smoke taint and now covid-closure. Support this beautiful winery and buy a Rose pack this Mother’s Day.
Merilba Estate, New England
Last year we discovered the family run Merilba Estate while road tripping through Uralla on our tour of New England High Country. We immediately fell in love with the crisp, clean and elegant wines of Merilba Estate with the Chardonnay being a personal favourite. You can now buy wines by the ½ dozen and they have a neat Mother’s Day gift pack which includes locally designed earrings.
Logan Wines, Mudgee
Mudgee favourite Logan Wines is a stunning, modern winery in a picturesque location with a commanding view of the region. While we’re all dreaming of a Mudgee getaway real soon, order some Logan wines now and create your own epic cheese platter and celebrate iso-life. Logan Wines have collaborated with some wonderful local Mudgee brands and created a gorgeous kit featuring Logan fizz just in time for Mother’s Day.
Ridgemill Estate, Granite Belt
One of our favourite wineries to visit in the Granite Belt is Ridgemill Estate for it’s affable winemaker Peter McGlashan and welcoming hosts Michelle Feenan-Cooper and Martin Cooper. Sip and stay with stunning onsite cabins available for your next Granite Belt getaway. In a show of unity, the region has come together during this challenging time to provide a premium mixed 6 pack from Ballandean Estate, Golden Grove and Ridgemill Estate for $190 including freight (save $42).
Despite the trying times, these wineries are continuing to innovate, so support local, family owned wineries to ensure a sustainable wine industry in Australia.
