South West winemaker Skigh McManus has put technology to good use during this year's vintage, turning to online streaming to showcase the quality of the harvest.
The idea to livestream the making of their 2020 Cabernet came about after seeing other industries harness various online platforms.
Skigh decided to do a small batch of Cabernet from home this year after the government's suggestion that people work from home where possible
With so much going on in our world at the moment, being able to bring some fun and interest to people who are staying at home is the Karridale winery's way of offering "good wine for bad times".
Mr McManus' attention to detail and genuine passion for the process are evident the online broadcasts.
"His unique style and natural techniques really come through in every bottle and I think that's what people love about our wines," staff member Carrie Flynn said.
"Yield is down - naturally for the season - but quality and total intake will be around 60 ton which is about on par with our sales projections for 2020/2021."
Margaret River Wine Association chief executive Amanda Whiteland said the Margaret River region's "exceptional" vintage was a silver lining for the industry.
"At the start of the 2020 growing season, no one would have believed the situation we are in right now," Ms Whiteland said.
"The Margaret River wine industry finishes one of the most unusual harvests to date, the region raises a collective sigh of relief to have been able to complete the 2020 vintage undisrupted; without significant rain, lockdowns or the impact of bushfires and losses that sadly, some regions in other parts of Australia have had to endure.
"We are humbly counting our blessings.
"The region enjoyed an early start to the season, with warmer than average spring temperatures evolving into the perfect summer growing conditions. Low disease pressure, timely flowering of native Marri trees to keep the birds at bay and little to no rain meant that growers could literally 'take their pick' when they wanted."
Ms Whiteland said while there were lower than normal yields across all varieties, the result was exceptional fruit that "shows divine concentration of aromas and flavours."
"While the 2020 vintage from Margaret River will be in scarce supply, it will be a very special vintage to look out for," she said.
To see more of Skigh Wine's videos and to find out about their no-contact delivery service, visit www.facebook.com/Skighwine
Nicky Lefebvre
I am a journalist, photographer and content creator based in the beautiful Margaret River wine region, covering all aspects of our community including local news, sport, entertainment and events, as well as providing a platform for our readers to share their voices direct from regional Australia.
I am a journalist, photographer and content creator based in the beautiful Margaret River wine region, covering all aspects of our community including local news, sport, entertainment and events, as well as providing a platform for our readers to share their voices direct from regional Australia.
