A LOCAL winery’s online store has increased its wine sales since it was forced to shut its restaurant and cellar-door due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Under the State Government’s new restrictions put in place last week, the sale of alcohol and other produce from cellar-doors is prohibited, however Mallee Estate Winery and Restaurant director Jim Markeas said the winery has been successful selling wine online.
“The closing of the restaurant and cellar-door has had a huge impact on our business and staff,” he said.
“But we must all isolate to stay safe and healthy first.”
Mr Markeas said the online store was set-up a couple of years ago and has helped his business have an online presence.
“We saw a lot of locals and visitors coming in our winery all the time to taste and purchase our wine but our online sales always had steady growth,” he said.
“When the restrictions were put in place, I thought straight away that we were fortunate to have a website with online sales.
“We’ve been receiving orders from locals and people nationwide and it’s been great help during these challenging times.”
South Australia’s police commissioner Grant Stevens said wineries had been identified as a significant risk area for coronavirus transmission.
“We are trying to discourage people from undertaking those unnecessary trips to what might normally be considered tourist destinations, or even day trips,” he said.
“We’re trying to prevent what happened in the Barossa Valley from happening in other locations.”
A cluster of 34 cases in the Barossa region has been linked to two groups of tourists from the United States and Switzerland.
“So… as of midnight last Monday, the sale of alcohol or other produce from cellar-doors and wineries has been banned – they would not be permitted to open,” Mr Stevens said.
“We are also prohibiting the tasting or sampling of produce, whether it be beverage or foodstuffs, in any premises across South Australia.
“This is a real risk area for transmission of the disease.”
Mr Markeas said although the new restrictions have put a strain on local wineries, the health of staff and locals was more important.
“We wouldn’t want to put anyone at risk and will do whatever it takes to play it safe,” he said.
“Our business may be suffering at the moment but it will bounce back when the restrictions are lifted.
“We are still moving forward with our expansion of the restaurant later in the year, which will give our patrons more space and options when dinning with us.
“It will be a great day when we welcome back guests to our cellar door and restaurant to serve our great food and wine that we a renowned for.”
To purchase Mallee Estate’s wine online, visit their website (https://www.malleeestate.com.au/).