Bath-time Bevies With Macca web series to keep wine business’ heads above water

Business dried up quickly in SA’s wine regions as coronavirus roared into our lives but one grower has found a novel way to keep his region in the limelight.

McLaren Vale grape and fruit grower Mark McCarthy with winemaker Alex Sherrah at McCarthy's Orchard. Picture: Matt Turner

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A McLaren Vale fruit grower has come up with a novel way for winemakers to tell the world about their product – from the comfort of a warm bath.

Mark “Macca” McCarthy’s idea for his online series Bath-time Bevies With Maccacame while enjoying a gin and tonic in the tub.

When bars and eateries were forced to shut, it was a way of telling consumers about McCarthy’s Orchard wines.

It also provides connection and entertainment during the COVID-19 restrictions.

The concept is simple. Each week, he invites a local winemaker to his Fleurieu Peninsula property to share conversation and a drink or two – with a side of suds.

Was a lot of fun getting to know Dave from @gargoylewines. His wines are available online at www.gargoylewines.com....

Posted by Bathtime Bevies with Macca on Friday, 22 May 2020

“Part of the idea was to sell a bit more booze,” Mr McCarthy said. “We also do a couple of wine giveaways. It’s just about doing something a bit different.”

So far, winemakers Andy Coppard (Lino Ramble), Alex Sherrah (Sherrah Wines), Dave Matthews (Gargolye Wines), and Mr McCarthy’s daughter Miah have participated. Photographs and videos are shared via social media.

The backdrop is impressive. Mark and his horticulturist wife Lisa share their farm with their four daughters and a menagerie of animals. They grow apples, pears, nashi, cherries, table grapes, and shiraz and cabernet vines dating back 70 years.

“It’s some of the oldest cabernet in the Vale,” Mr McCarthy said. “I’m biased but I think it’s one of the best cabs too.” McCarthy’s Nero d’Avola is sold at some of Melbourne’s top restaurants – Attica, Flower Drum and Rosa’s Canteen.

“High-end joints in Melbourne love the big reds,” he said.

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Until then, they will continue selling their produce at Willunga Farmers’ Market, Adelaide Showground Farmers’ Market, and the little cellar door they run on their property.

Family ties run deep across the McCarthy’s Orchard wine range.

The Dawn Rosé after their elegant mother Dawn, The Monkey Bum Shiraz is named after their daughter Miah, and Lolly Legs Cabernet Sauvignon affectionately named after their daughter Tilly. They also make apple cider using seven varieties of apples, including Abbas and Lady Williams.

“I’m going to invite local beer brewers, gin makers, and other beverage producers as well,” Mr McCarthy said.

“I’ll keep going until I’ve sold out of wine.”