Some years feel a bit too heavy and it’s nice to shed them at midnight on 31 December. With a sigh of relief, the year 2022 has been a happy and positive one for the S&K team.

The relentless challenges of 2020 and 2021 were some of the heaviest years we’ve had to endure as a team but we have come out of that period stronger and more resilient. How have they been for you? Do you think you’ve changed because of the trifecta of bushfires/pandemic/floods? 

Some of the ways we have changed as a business is to set ourselves up to be better equipped to adapt to the constantly changing economic, environmental and political landscape. Committing to becoming certified through Sustainable Winegrowing Australia has really helped, as the program not only looks at the environment, it’s also about best practice in business systems and incident responses. We can’t stop these curveballs but we can change how we react. 

This past year has featured many highlights for our team members. These include:  

• Passing the audit for Sustainable Winegrowing Australia/Freshcare certification (official tick still pending as it was only done on November 2!) 

• Developing a Master Plan with Regional Design Service which features renovation and landscaping to our cellar door and surrounding gardens.

• Making some excellent wines this vintage even though it was wetter than usual. David’s skill and patience has resulted in some award-winning wines (i.e. Gold for the 2022 Alvarinho at the Australian Alternative Wine Show). 

However, in life, to fully appreciate the joy and happiness of the good times, we must also experience sadness. It is with a heavy heart that we say goodbye to 11-year-old Juliette, our much-loved Border Collie and advice columnist who passed away from cancer on November 8th. Condolences to everyone who has lost a loved one this year, we feel your pain. 

We raise a glass with you as this year draws to a close, and we offer best wishes to everyone that 2023 is full of health and happiness.

Natasha Killeen