Trio to add their voices
A BOUTIQUE local winery has pushed into the mainstream amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Moorabool Valley’s Austins Wines, which previously sold through independent retailers and boutique restaurants, has teamed up with the Dan Murphy’s chain to distribute its wines across the Geelong region.
Husband and wife owners Scott and Belinda Austin said the move marked a shift for the brand.
“The Austins brand was created specifically for direct-to-consumer, cellar door sales,” Mrs Austin said.
“During the height of March lockdown, they approached us about selling through their Geelong stores. As an industry, there’s been a big push for supporting local producers.”
With the brand now stocked in store, the couple looked online for other ways to bring their product to consumers during lockdown.
“After the panic buying, people seemed to shift into thinking about stocking up on wine products as well,” Mr Austin said.
“It’s opened up our brand to a lot of new customers in n the online space.
“We’ve also teamed up p with a fresh food merchant nt and cheese producer to deeliver wine and cheese packs.” s.”
The pair are still planning ng to expand the brand by opening a cellar door next ext year.
THREE local young people from Golden Plains have been selected as the shire’s representatives for the Regional Youth Voice program.
Alisha Nurnaitis, Kaitlyn Schurmann and Rachel Kaiser were selected and have already started the program, which is a partnership between Golden Plains Shire, City of Greater Ge Geelong, Surf Coast Shire and Co Colac Otway Shire.
The trio will join nine other yo young people aged 15 to 20 fr from the G21 region in the free program, where they will receive leadership training and n networking opportunities.
The program is being held across five online meetings from June to December, where participants will give young people’s insights to groups such as councils.
Rachel said she looked forward to the opportunities and connections the program would bring.
“I am excited to be a part of this opportunity to meet new people who are as passionate about fostering a sense of change and diversity within our youth community,” she said.