Barrister’s Block Winery faces uncertain future after forced closure of wineries and cellar doors
The owner of a Woodside winery is facing an uncertain future after the government’s decision to close cellar doors. Many wineries in the Adelaide Hills are still recovering from bushfires and the closure will add strain to their business.
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Wineries in the Adelaide Hills struggling to rebuild from bushfires are facing further devastation, after the government announced cellar doors across the state would be forced to shut their doors to stop coronavirus spreading.
Barrister’s Block owner Jan Siemelink-Allen said her winery is facing “ruination” as she is unable to serve takeaway food and wine from her cellar door.
Police Commissioner Grant Stevens on Monday announced wineries, cellar doors and restaurants located at wineries would close, in the latest attempt to curve the spread of coronavirus. The sale of food to the public from wineries will also stop.
It follows a cluster of 34 coronavirus cases detected in the popular wine region of the Barossa Valley on Sunday.
“Our whole business is a winery experience – for us, it’s about people coming up, enjoying a glass of wine, a pizza and enjoying the scenery,” Ms Siemelink-Allen said.
“We were told we could operate as a cellar door … and sell takeaway pizzas.
“We were prepared to take on that trench line hit … it (the takeaway) was enough for me to keep people on.”
Ms Siemelink-Allen last week employed a security guard to take temperatures of customers entering the property and operated with social distancing measures in place.
She let 20 casual staff go on Monday after the announcement her winery would have to close.
All of the winery’s vines were damaged by Cudlee Creek fires in December.
“On top of the kick we’ve had from the bushfires, we are now faced with ruination.
“How are we ever going to rebuild again?
“We are beside ourselves wondering how we will survive.”
Ms Siemelink-Allen has forecast a loss in excess of $1 million due to the pandemic in the next six months.
Bird in Hand founder Andrew Nugent, based in Woodside, said the decision to close the cellar door is heartbreaking, but the wine community understands the urgent response.
“We are very fortunate to have loyal consumers who are continuing to purchase online and through retail outlets,” Mr Nugent said.
Andrew Kay, CEO and managing director for Wirra Wirra Wines in McLaren Vale said the decision to stop takeaway orders will not affect his business greatly. Mr Kay said his winery had adapted to online sales, but the cellar door closure would be noticed over Easter – a busy period for wineries.
“Cellar doors will definitely notice the hit from that over the coming weeks.”
All 12 of his casual staff have experienced job losses as a result of the COVID-19 crisis.
Kerry Treuel, executive officer for Adelaide Hills Wine said the announcement to close cellar doors was disappointing.
“It’s a tough time for many in the wine industry, especially for us in the Adelaide Hills as we are still dealing daily with the recovery efforts of the recent fires and being able to sell wine and produce direct from cellar doors for takeaway was a small lifeline for some,” Ms Treuel said.
Ms Treuel encourages people to support the region by purchasing wine from cellars directly by calling, or online.
“It will go a long way it helping the industry survive through these very uncertain times.”