According to many, the wine industry has become too corporate. Hard to argue with that, but if you still need proof that the industry retains its generous heart and a sense of community, book tickets right now for the Variety Vintage Auction 2025 for May next year. This, I believe will be the 15th staging by Variety SA of this event, brainchild of Clare Valley winemaker and industry leader Tim Adams.
Twelve SA wine companies donate enough of a premium wine to fill a barrel, itself supplied by legendary Adelaide-based company AP John Coopers. Auctioned in 3-dozen lots at the event, the wines are bottled by Bottling Dynamics with capsules provided by Interpack into cartons provided by VI Packaging, before being shipped into the arms of the winning bidders by Cochrane’s Transport. The donating wineries are Brothers in Arms, Charles Melton, Di Giorgio, Hentley Farm, Kaesler, Parker Coonawarra Estate, Paracombe, Penny’s Hill, Peter Lehmann, Seppeltsfield, Tim Adams Wines and Wicks Estate. The University of Adelaide provides some truly delicious wines over lunch, while Howard Vineyards donates sparkling wine for the 250-275 people who show up at the event, held at the National Wine Centre which is very generous with its charge per head.
I love being part of Variety Vintage, which I think I’ve now hosted 13 times. There’s no doubt that all the wine producers and associated businesses are doing it tough right now – as indeed are most buyers of Australian wine, so for so many people to club together to net $155,000 a couple of weeks ago (with another $50,000) to come from pending wine sales, is truly incredible. Full respect to all involved. And most importantly, the net proceeds from this event go to those children in need and their families. So far the event has raised well in excess of $2.7 million.
Times might be hard for the wine community, but time and again it rolls up its sleeves to help those who are finding it harder.
