Source : the age
Grampians winemakers have one message for the public after the region’s weeks-long bushfire.
“We desperately need people to come back and patronise us before too long. Don’t leave it too late or businesses will suffer,” says Simon Clayfield, a winemaker and CFA volunteer.
With the fire contained and parts of the national park back open, he and other winemakers are keen to recover their summer trade, which has fallen by an estimated 20 per cent.
Campers, hikers and holidaymakers who normally flock to this part of Victoria over December and January have disappeared.
“Halls Gap’s normally a bustling country town this time of year, but you can probably fire a cannon down the main street at the moment, and you’d miss everyone” says Clayfield.
The recent bushfire that began in mid-December burnt more than 76,000 hectares and led to the evacuation of many towns and the closure of the Grampians National Park, a popular spot for campers. Fires last February also ate into the region’s peak season trade.
Around a quarter of Grampians wineries were forced to shut their doors completely over recent weeks, including Clayfield Wines, which closed for 20 days.
“Christmas time is our busiest time when a lot of people come up to the Grampians and do bushwalking and things like that. We get a fair bit of passing trade,” says Clayfield.
Other wineries outside the fire zone saw the number of visitors plummet by 60 per cent and sales drop 20 per cent, according to Damien Sheehan, former president of the local winemakers’ association.
For smaller wineries not stocked in major retailers, cellar door sales are critical.
“They’re pretty resilient, no doubt about that … but people want to get back to normal and get back to business,” says Sheehan, who’s also general manager of Mount Langi Ghiran winery in the region’s east.
People can quickly make a difference to a business’s January balance sheet by buying wine online. Many wineries have online stores stocked with renowned rieslings, lighter styles of shiraz and the region’s signature sparkling shiraz, a retro favourite on the cusp of a comeback.
“They might like them and when they do visit next time, they can fill up the car [with wine],” says Clayfield.
But Sheehan also urges those that can visit the Grampians now to do so.
With the fire contained, Halls Gap reopened on January 8 and parts of the national park followed two days later.
Food festival Feast and Forage kicks off on January 13 across western and central Victoria, with several events involving Grampians winemakers.
Beyond summer, there’s Grampians Grape Escape in May, where local winemakers, big-name chefs and cover bands gather for a weekend of wine auctions, cooking demonstrations, tastings and more against the backdrop of the national park’s towering ranges.
“It’s good for families, good for couples, good for groups. It’s a really well-run festival,” says Sheehan.
How to help Grampians food and wine businesses
Buy some wine
Even one bottle makes a difference; and buying direct often gets you a better price. Try fallengiants.com.au, grampiansestate.com.au, pomonalestate.com.au
or any of the wineries listed on grampianswine.com.au
Forage and Feast festival
Running Jan 13 to Feb 16, events include sparkling shiraz tastings, gin-blending masterclasses and a brunch highlighting Grampians produce. centralhighlandsgrowers.com.au/forageandfeast
Dine underground
Three kilometres of tunnels and underground cellars are hidden beneath Seppelt Great Western. Get a tour of this National Trust-listed architectural marvel followed by a three-course dinner with matched wines underground (January 24, February 15, March 22). seppeltgreatwestern.com.au/underground-dining
Feast on history
A long-table dinner in the historic 19th-century stables used as Best’s cellar door is planned for February 8. And with just 20 seats, you’ll want to move fast to get a seat. bestswines.com/events
Grampians Grape Escape festival
Annual autumn festival of local food, wine and fun that’s attracted big names including Poh Ling Yeow and Stefano di Pieri over the past 30 years. Full program to be announced soon. grampiansgrapeescape.com.au
Emma Breheny – Emma is Good Food’s Melbourne-based reporter and co-editor of The Age Good Food Guide 2024.
