SIX of Coonawarra’s top winemakers will unite to create the perfect blend of cabernet while attempting to stamp out homelessness in the Limestone Coast.
The Homeless Grapes Project first arrived in Coonawarra last year after successful events other wine regions, using grapes which would otherwise go to waste in the processing chain.
When first approached, the region’s vignerons were willing to support the cause, but Coonawarra had few surplus grapes.
This led to a partnership between six wineries who have put their brains – and grapes – together.
Hollick Estates, Raidis Estate, Patrick of Coonawarra, Penley Estate, Redman Wines and Jim Brand Wines jumped on board, with their winemakers joining the cause.
Together the group decided to nominate ac.care as its charity of choice and from there the Coonawarra Homeless Grapes Project was born.
With the 2018 event a success and the wine currently aging for release later this year, the group projected a $60,000 donation from the initial batch.
“Every part of the process is donated,” Patrick of Coonawarra brand manager Natasha Gordon said.
“From the grapes, to the winemaking, to the bottling, to the labeling and promotion, it’s all donated time which is amazing.”
Ms Gordon said the group was pleased to donate the funds to ac.care and keep the money in the Limestone Coast community, a gesture praised by ac.care chief executive officer Shane Maddocks.
“It is wonderful to see Coonawarra’s wine sector and broader community partner for a project which will provide significant support for ac.care’s services,” Mr Maddocks said.
“We are a country, community-based service provider and the impact of our work can be greatly enhanced by building on our already strong community partnerships – by working together, we can continue to make a difference in more people’s lives.”
He said financial support through the initiative for the organisation’s broad range of homelessness services in the Limestone Coast was particularly valuable.
“Our services focus on building resilience with people not only to help them move into stable accommodation, but create a more secure future for themselves,” he said.
“We want all country people to have a safe home, enough money to live on and strong, positive relationships.”
Now in its second year, not much has changed, with the same faces behind the project in 2019.
Just like in 2018, there will be a free public event where the community will get together to pick some of the grapes to go into the 2019 vintage.
Starting at Raidis Estate at 10am on April 14, attendees will picke fruit at Raidis, Hollick Estate and Patrick of Coonawarra before lunch and live music at Patrick in addition to some grape stomping.
The public is reminded to bring a pair of secateurs, wear casual clothes and an old pair of enclosed shoes.
Visit Coonawarra Homeless Grapes Pick 2019 on Facebook for more information.
