BUSINESSES along the Coonawarra strip have started to reopen after Police Commissioner Grant Stevens revoked a direction which shut down South Australia’s wineries.
Earlier this month, wineries were forced to close their cellar doors following a cluster of COVID-19 cases in the Barossa.
Last week, the State Commissioner announced a review of the state Emergency Management Direction, permitting wineries, cellar doors, breweries and distilleries to sell alcohol, produce or food on a takeaway basis only.
To date, Zema Estate, The Blok Coonawarra, Bellwether Wines and Ottelia and Fodder have reopened.
Ottelia and Fodder winemaker Matilda Innes welcomed the changes, saying the business had produced more than 200 pizzas over the weekend.
“Even though we just did takeaway meals the first weekend went really well,” Ms Innes said.
“It did not take long to implement the takeaway menu from when we were told we could reopen and it just made sense for us to do the most popular meals which are also a great comfort food.”
Ms Innes said she was overwhelmed by the strong community response and support, with the phone consistently ringing over the last week.
“We even had people messaging us because they could not get through the phone line and asking if they could place an order,” she said.
“It just shows us there is community support and that has been so heartwarming and such a nice feeling to know the community is rallying around us.”
Ms Innes said the strong support would help the business stay financially afloat, as well as provide ongoing employment for staff.
