Wineries unite for youth

Four wineries have joined forces to enhance the future of young Barossans.

Concordis, a charity initiative of Two Hands, Seppeltsfield, Kaesler and Torbreck wineries, is a collaborative winemaking project that is set to raise $700,000 over an initial four years, for a perpetual education fund through Foundation Barossa.

Officially launched at Fino Seppeltsfield last Friday, Concordis is a result of each winery donating one tonne of their finest Shiraz grapes every year to create a unique cuvée. 1600 magnums will be made annually with proceeds from their sales going directly into the fund which will provide training opportunities in cellar operations and viticulture for disadvantaged youth.

Driving force behind the initiative, Mr Michael Twelftree of Two Hands Wines, told invited guests that the collaboration was a way to give back to the community which has served the locally based businesses so well.

Together with Pete Knight, Torbreck Vintners; Warren Randall, Seppeltsfield Winery and Ed Peter, Kaesler Wines, it was decided to instigate a project that would make a significant impact on the lives of young people.

“The four of us thought we are all from outside the Barossa, what can we do that is meaningful, over a long journey, to give back to the local community?” said Michael.

“We hammered out an agreement of what we would all commit to. We’ve committed to doing the project for four years, everybody donating a tonne of grapes and the wineries rotating the winemaking.”

Seppeltsfield winemaker, Ms Fiona Donald made this year’s wine with next year’s to be made at Torbreck and the following at Kaesler Wines.

After the initial four years, Michael said the wineries will either “go again” or introduce more partners to grow the project.

 “So, hopefully from today it will have a snowball effect. We then give all of that money to Foundation Barossa…and offer two scholarships at two wineries every two years. We end up having disadvantaged youth in the Barossa and northern suburbs having an opportunity of working at our wineries. What a great start for a school leaver.”

Beginning in 2016, the compounding interest from the Concordis fund will be used to send trainees to TAFE to gain formal qualifications and get the kick start they need for future employment within the wine industry. 

“We’ve really put our flag in the ground, we need to get out and sell some magnums now,” urged Michael.

“I’m absolutely thrilled that the whole thing has come together and the support we’ve had from suppliers, the Barossa community and everyone here today. It makes me feel very proud to be part of the industry we are involved in and to be surrounded by so many like minded people,” Michael said.

For the full story see this week’s edition of The Leader.