The perks of supporting small, independent wineries.
You can help build the future of the Australian wine industry.
I'm making the case for supporting small, independent wineries. They are crucial for the diversity of the Australian wine industry and deserve our support.
If you're a fan of wine like me, you are already well aware that Australia has some of the best wineries in the world. From the iconic big names like Penfolds and Jacob's Creek (and Coolbah, lol) to the small, independent operations that dot the countryside, the Australian wine industry is a diverse and thriving ecosystem.
But as the market becomes increasingly saturated, it can be hard for those small, independent wineries (those that crush less than 250 tonnes of grapes per year) to get the recognition they deserve.
So, let's talk about the perks of supporting small, independent wineries.
Quality over quantity: These wineries are all about paying attention to the small details, ensuring the wine you're sipping is top-notch. (Winemakers who sleep next to their wines during fermentation).
Personal touch: With small, independent wineries, you know the wine has been touched by human hands, not just mass-produced by a machine. And often, the grapes were picked by hand, pressed by hand, and bottled by hand. That’s a lotta hands.
Regional pride: These wineries are all about representing the unique terroir of their region, and showcasing the true taste of the area. Some of them even hyper-focus on specific blocks, making their wine truly one-of-a-kind. Even winemakers who
Storytime: Each bottle from a small, independent winery tells a story about the person behind it. A great example is Andy and Tina from Adaption. Andy makes a syrah grown on granite near Castlemaine in Victoria, buried underground in Georgian amphora (called qvevri) for 9 months. But what the wine so special is that they looooove the light reds of Jura, France, so Andy and Tina make their syrah in a new and very different style as they chase the elusive white whale of southern french trousseau.
Meet the maker: You can meet the person behind the wine, learn about their process, and gain a deeper understanding of what you're sipping.
You can even volunteer to help put wine into bottles if that’s your jam:
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When you support small, independent wineries, you're supporting craftsmanship, tradition, and the preservation of wine culture. It's not just about the wine, it's about the experience and the story behind it.
But as any small business owner will tell you, it's not always easy to get that support. Marketing and promotion can be expensive, and it can be tough for small, independent wineries to get the recognition they deserve.
That's where you (and I) come in.
By choosing to support small, independent wineries, we can help these businesses thrive and preserve the quality and diversity of the Australian wine industry. These pioneers are often the ones taking risks and trying out new and innovative techniques, which leads to a wider variety of flavours and styles in the market. Without them, the Australian wine industry would be dominated by a few large corporations and we'd all be stuck drinking the same old thing. I’m looking at you, Pepperjack.
So next time you're in the market for a bottle of vino, consider going for the small, independent wineries. Ask your local bottle shop about the independent winemakers they stock, and you'll be helping to support a diverse wine industry, boost the economy and who knows you might just find your new favourite! It's a win-win-win situation, my friend.
Are you a bottleshop or hospitality venue looking for small winemakers? Check out our wholesale marketplace here.