WITH their elevation and mountain location Tumbarumba have gained enormous accolades for their cool climate wine. In recent years they have gained momentum and exposure in both their wine and tourism, the cellar doors attracting many people.
In the past month the town has suffered a setback through the recent bushfires which threatened and burnt not only wineries, but much of the surrounding region.
Tumbarumba are now in a fight to re-establish themselves and as with other towns really need people to return and visit their attractions. The town has not burnt but one of the attractions Sugar Pine Walk has been damaged and discussion now engaged on its future.
The great news is cellar doors have reopened.
Courabyra Wines Cathy Gairn explained how close fire came to their actual property which sounded harrowing. They had some vineyard area damaged but are now open for the autumn and their new deck is looking primed for visitors to sample wine and superb food.
Cathy has just added to Courabyra’s awards, the cellar door being “Recommended” on the Restaurant Guru 2019 list, plus a regional winner again of the Australian Good Food Guide readers’ choice. They have won this award for six consecutive years.
“It is very exciting to know the hard work is paying off and that people still love to come here and eat our food, and it is the first time we have picked up the Restaurant Guru award,” said Cathy.
Obsession Wines Adrian Brayne lost much of his vineyards in the fires and launched an online campaign to sell wine he had bottled in the winery. You can now purchase wines from next door at Braymont Gardens. Take a tour of these magnificent grounds while you are there.
“I’m running on generator power but thanks to all the support and kindness of people we are able to start getting your wine orders out. It will take Matt and myself some time to get through it all as they keep coming in, but it feels so good to start,” said Adrian after the fires.
Johansen Wines also took a setback losing several paddocks and are now rebuilding. Their cellar door was not damaged and is open on weekends. They offered their thanks to all the friends and sponsors who helped purchase new posts and wine online.
Tom Southwell said they are future proofing and have gone with a steel post instead of the traditional wooden ones. “Just under 2000 posts have been sponsored so far and we are just so grateful to all you generous people. There are still plenty of posts to sponsor so tell a friend.”
Tumbarumba Wines Escape said they were not affected by actual fire but it did come within a 5km radius, and they like other wineries have been actively selling online. They might also take their wine out of the area in attempt to sell more and keep income coming in.
You can visit the cellar doors in Tumbarumba, plus more, just stop at the Visitor Information Centre in town.
