Ripple effect: the NSW winemaker turning wine into water
Summary
“We can often be seen as just a retailer and this allows us to immerse ourselves in the wine industry, to be among the grapes, and be among the community, which is great.” In the Hunter Valley, winemaker Matt Burton of Gundog Estate has developed a partnership with Newcastle homeless not-for-profit, Path 2 Change. Once you realise that, it becomes a really obvious path to find a way to give back to the community.” While these initiatives certainly contribute to a company’s sense of community engagement – and fulfil their corporate and social responsibility – not everyone believes the sale of alcohol should be associated with certain kinds of fundraising. “One of the most significant aspects of this partnership has been the establishment of communication lines which allow everyone involved to see how the funds are being used, and the profound impact our support is having on the lives of vulnerable young people.” Melbourne support centre St Mary’s House of Welcome will be pouring Vinomofo’s Homeless Grapes Project chardonnay – along with a dozen other Victorian wines – and encouraging people to buy it by the case at their annual Degustation for Dignity fundraising dinner on October 25 (disclosure: I helped select the wines to be poured at the event, and will be MC for the evening). I asked St Mary’s chief executive, Robina Bradley, how she felt about selling wine to raise money to help people whose own relationship with alcohol is often very damaging. “They know it involves alcohol, and they all assure me they’re OK with that.” NEED TO KNOW St Mary’s House of Welcome’s annual Degustation for Dignity, a seven-course fundraising dinner with matching wines from top producers and a silent auction, is at Collingwood Town Hall, Melbourne, on October 25.
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