Our initial foray into philanthropy was not without its challenges, but ultimately proved rewarding. In late 2019, faced with low crop yields due to drought, we contemplated selling our Chardonnay fruit to a bulk wine trader. The offer was a mere third of the production cost. Rather than accepting this, we decided to donate 22 tons of Chardonnay to the Adelaide Hills community, which had been devastated by drought and subsequent fires. Our harvest and transport contractors generously offered their services free of charge.

 We contacted the Adelaide Hills wine committee and told them of our offer and suggested they call it the Adelaide Hills/Coonawarra Honey Suckle Chardonnay and they sell 1,700 dozen at $25/bottle for bushfire relief. They loved the idea. In mid-January a member of the committee called, ‘’sorry Jack but we can’t accept your kind offer’’. How amusing we can’t even give the stuff away but then the caller said ‘’could I buy it?’’ The price was excellent and fast forward 4 years the same group now has a 5,000 dozen wine brand with our Chardonnay. Giving is good, so we continue to try to give. 

Our next initiative was helping local families who needed a helping hand. We had an impressive vegetable garden and orchard at our Oborn vineyard. With the cottage there rented we had nobody to look after the garden. Rae quickly took the initiative and got ‘’resident Coonawarra green finger’’ Doug Redman to get things in shape. For 2 years Doug and a dedicated small team of helpers grew all sorts of fruit and vegetables, that were given to a local Church group, to help feed those down on their luck. Sadly, Doug’s health took a bad turn and we lost momentum.