Innovations During the Pandemic
A lack of visitors has forced some businesses to look at innovative ways to stay afloat.
Hemera Estate in Lyndoch is one of a number of wineries that has set up virtual tastings, helping those with a glass at home connect with the winemaker.
“Zoom or one of those video apps that allows multiple sharing, we just organise a time and a place with a few of us and get together … apart,” winemaker Russell Cutting said.
“Nothing too technical; we share a glass and talk about the wine and how it’s made.”
Winemaker Russell Cutting, of Hemera Estate in Lyndoch, is offering virtual tastings. (ABC News: Brittany Evins)
The process tries to replicate the personal experience of visiting a cellar door, taking people on a journey through the winemaking process.
The person at home simply needs to have sourced their own bottle beforehand.
Mr Cutting said business had fallen by more than half since social-distancing requirements came into place.
But he said he wanted to ensure customers were still connected to the winemaking process.
“I think it’s kind of important at this time just to show a bit of love for everyone,” he said.
“Just to get a little bit of community back.”
Barossa cellar door manager Rachael Duncan said businesses in the wine industry needed to be strong for each other during the pandemic.
“We’re doing as much as we can to generate enough sales to ensure that we can pay our basic expenses during this process,” she said.
“We’ve all got to look out for each other and, if we can, all be together as one so we can fight this off together.”