Visitor numbers are down at many South Coast vineyards during the week but Illawarra and Shoalhaven residents can still support local by shopping local for their favourite wine online.
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Rajarshi Ray, of Silos Estate, said COVID-19 is the third straight challenge impacting wine producers in the area.
Fires over summer stopped people coming to the Shoalhaven Coast Wine Region and visiting cellar doors. Smoke tainting has reduced the volume of grapes harvested for the 2020 vintage and heavy rain in February resulted in flooding.
Coolangatta Estate cellar door manager Ben Bishop said visitor numbers were still good on weekends but it is also clear that many people are not venturing out and about because of coronavirus.
He and Mr Ray said those who do not want to go to a cellar door or bottle shop at this time can still shop local for their wine online and have it delivered to their doorstep.
Most vineyards near Kiama, Berry and Nowra have well established wine clubs such as Two Figs Wine Club, Silos Society and Coolangatta Wine Club.
"Coronavirus has come on the tail of what has been a very challenging summer. But we are still supporting other businesses through our normal course of business. And I think a lot of people are working with us to do the same," Mr Ray said.
Cellar doors, restaurants and accommodation at local vineyards all buy and stock local produce.
And Mr Ray said other businesses such as restaurants and bottle shops were working with Shoalhaven Coast wine producers to do the same by stocking their wine..
Silos Estate took that kind of community spirit and support one step further over summer by providing free accommodation to people and animals displaced by the devastating fires.
Mr Bishop said there are many ways to support local producers."People are becoming a lot more connected online. So if you have had a good experience in the past and want to leave a good review or post a wedding photo that kind of support goes a long way."
Coolangatta Estate is also introducing a tasting station in The Great Hall to provide more room for people visiting the property to participate in wine tasting while keeping a safe social distance.
Many vineyards are popular wedding venues and are working with couples to meet all the requirements being regularly updated by the Department of Health and Federal Government.
"One of the lovely things about what is going on is there is a real sense of community spirit and support because we are all in the same boat and trying to get through this together. Life is supposed to be interesting and we live in interesting times," Mr Ray said.
The underlying message was "we can get through this by supporting each other and working together the best we can in a safe way for everyone". And "helping local business survive will help keep jobs alive".
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Greg Ellis
Almost four decades in electronic, print and digital media. A writer, presenter, emcee, photographer and videographer with degrees in business management, marketing and human resources and tertiary qualifications in photography.
Almost four decades in electronic, print and digital media. A writer, presenter, emcee, photographer and videographer with degrees in business management, marketing and human resources and tertiary qualifications in photography.
