2023: The Witches Falls Year In Review
As we bid farewell to 2023, we can't help but reflect on the incredible journey we've had. It's been a year of milestones, new ventures, and, of course, the continuous pursuit of crafting exceptional wines, ciders, and now, beers. Join us as we take a stroll through the highlights of the past year and share some exciting plans for the future.
February marked a monumental moment as we officially unveiled Boxer Brewing Co. which, for Jon, has been a dream over two decades in the making! Now boasting a triple threat - wine, cider, and beer - we’re on the way to becoming the ultimate destination for beverage enthusiasts. Construction of our Boxer Brewing Co. tap room is underway, and we eagerly anticipate welcoming you for a pint or two in 2024. In the meantime, you can get a taste of the Boxer brews at our Cellar Door.
As February came to a close, vintage began with the arrival of our first fruit, the Granite Belt Verdelho. The 2023 vintage marked a significant milestone - our 20th year of crafting exquisite wines. Two decades of dedication and passion have gone into every bottle we produce, and we're grateful for the opportunity to continue bringing you new and exciting varieties each year.
Amidst the vintage hustle, March brought a celebration of International Women's Day. We took a moment to recognise and appreciate the powerhouse women within our team, spanning various departments from the winery to marketing, accounts, cellar door, logistics, and wholesale. We're proud to have a team filled with exceptional women, contributing their expertise to every aspect of our operations.
June was a bustling month with the celebration of Scenic Rim’s Eat Local month. Our team immersed themselves in a myriad of events across the region, showcasing the vibrant community of local producers. Our own Blume x Witches Falls Dinner, hosted in the cellar door with Chef Jack Stuart and Winemaker Ren Dalgarno, was a resounding success, offering guests a night of exquisite dishes, exceptional wine, and unforgettable memories. We also hosted Grape To Glass, giving ticket holders a behind-the-scenes look at the Witches Falls production processes. This event, hosted by winemakers Ren Dalgarno & Al Windsor, gave visitors an insight into what it takes to create their favourite glass of wine.
This year, we've had the joy of welcoming some fantastic new releases, thanks to the addition of fruit from the Riverland, made possible through our collaboration with Ricca Terra Farms. One highlight was the introduction of Provenance Carménère in July. A member of the Cabernet family of grapes, Carménère has a fascinating history. Considered one of the original six red grapes of Bordeaux, Carménère is now rarely found in France; the world’s largest area planted with this variety is in Chile. If you’ve never tried a Carménère before, you’re in for a real treat. Experience the intense dark fruit flavours of a Cabernet Sauvignon, complemented by the velvety texture and smooth tannins found in Merlot.
In October we unveiled Albariño, a captivating Spanish varietal. Albariño entices the senses with notes of zesty lime peel and delightful white peach, entwined with a coastal minerality. Additionally, October marked the return of Fiano with a new twist. If you've been with us for a few years, you'll recall our Wild Ferment Fiano, however, our 2023 Fiano is part of our Provenance collection. Fermented in stainless steel the 2023 Fiano has a crisp, citrusy finish, perfect for summer. All three of these new additions have garnered immense popularity among both our team and the community.
November witnessed the well-deserved promotion of Hannah, our dedicated Cellar Hand, to the role of Assistant Winemaker. This promotion not only highlighted Hannah's exceptional skills and commitment, but also underscored the winery's commitment to nurturing talent from within. With this step up in her career, Hannah brings her passion for winemaking to new heights. We look forward to seeing her continue to flourish in her expanded role and are excited about the positive impact she will undoubtedly bring to the Witches Falls winemaking team.
As incredible as this year has been, we did receive some bittersweet news. Winemaker Ren Dalgarno has decided to leave Witches Falls and embark on a new journey in the Barossa Valley. While Ren's departure has left the entire team with a tinge of sadness, we are genuinely thrilled for her and immensely proud of all she has accomplished during her time with us.
As we reflect on the year gone by, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to our community, members, and the extended Witches Falls family. Your unwavering support is the driving force behind our success, and we are truly thankful for each and every one of you. As we raise our glasses to toast the New Year, we eagerly anticipate the opportunities and adventures 2024 will bring.
A special celebration awaits in October as we officially mark 20 years of our Cellar Door. We can't wait to share the joyous occasion with you and continue the journey of crafting exceptional beverages and creating lasting memories.
Here's to a fantastic 2023, and an even more exciting 2024. Thank you for being an integral part of the Witches Falls story. Cheers! 🥂
