Lex de Man, CFA general manager Yarra Area presented certificates of appreciation last week to members of the Yarra Valley Winegrowers By Kath Gannaway
LYNNE Derwin put on a brave face last week as she and other winery operators met at Domaine Chandon Winery in Coldstream for the launch of the re-scheduled Yarra Valley Grape Grazing Festival.
Mrs Derwin and husband John lost everything but their lives on Black Saturday when the fire swept through Roundstone Winery and Restaurant at Yarra Glen, just a week before the festival.
The event was cancelled but this coming weekend 33 wineries, more than initially involved in the festival, will open their doors and, in spite of what are still difficult times for many of them, embrace the festival atmosphere which has been a hallmark of Grape Grazing over the years.
Roundstone will be guests of Domaine Chandon, in their first opportunity to get back to what the Derwins love doing – sharing their passion for wine with the public.
Some of their wines were in storage out of the valley and that is what will be on offer for Grape Grazing.
Thanking Domaine Chandon for the opportunity Mrs Derwin said “Grape Grazing gives us the opportunity to try to rebuild our brand.
“It’s a hand of friendship that has brought us back into the wine industry and given us strength to rebuild brick by brick with the determination we had at the beginning,” she added.
Tourism Minister Tim Holding was at the re-launch to urge Victorians to show their support for the festival and the fire-affected areas of regional Victoria.
The Grape Grazing Festival will conclude a 10-day festival, including a number of Easter events, supported by a $200,00 state and federal government package to help get the tourism industry back on track.
“The recent bushfires have impacted on tourism businesses in regional Victoria but the message is that Victoria is open for business and looking forward to your visit,” Mr Holding said.
Almost every winery involved in the original festival weekend will be open with new wineries including Dominique Portet, Oakridge, Mandala, Punt Road and Squitchy Lane.
Visitors to the valley, and Yarra Valley residents keen to support their local tourism industry by becoming tourists for the weekend, can experience three different levels of the Grape Grazing experience – graze, taste and indulge.
Autumn brings a new backdrop to the Yarra Valley Grape Grazing Festival and while bookings are down last week, organisers are hoping the increased number of wineries providing great food, wine and entertainment, along with demonstrated desire to help the Yarra Valley recover after the fires, will encourage a late burst of visitors.
Tickets purchased for the original festival are valid for the weekend of 18 and 19 April and new tickets are available from the website www.grapegrazing.com.au, by phoning 5962 6600, or over the weekend at any participating graze or taste winery.
