Speeches

Thursday, 20 April 2023

Yangarra Estate Cellar Door


In my swearing‑in speech as Governor, I said that if I were asked to nominate my favourite landscape in the whole world – and I have had the privilege throughout my professional life of seeing quite a bit of it - it would be the sight of the Willunga Hills with the McLaren Vale vines in the foreground.

You will therefore understand that it is my great pleasure to join you today to officially open the new cellar door here at Yangarra Estate.

I am especially pleased to welcome members of the Jackson family from California for this event.

I hope you are enjoying the beauty and mild weather of a South Australian autumn.

I’ve long been fascinated with wine, and the winemaking process.

As a university student I worked at a cellar door and was on the verge of studying oenology at Roseworthy before instead accepting a place in the graduate program in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

While I sometimes wonder about the path not travelled, as we all do, it’s been my honour and pleasure, throughout my career, to promote South Australian wine to the world.

In its relatively short history, Yangarra Estate has made a strong contribution to our state’s reputation for outstanding wine.

You are considered a leading producer of Grenache and Shiraz in Australia and have won an impressive range of awards.

We are proud to serve the Yangarra Estate 2017 Shiraz, among other South Australian wines, at a range of Government House functions.

Importantly, your use of organics and biodynamics shows a commitment to winemaking that is not just sustainable but demonstrates a deep respect for the land upon which it is produced.

It reflects well your estate’s name, Yangarra, meaning ‘from the earth’.

More broadly I note the role of Jackson Family Wines in cofounding, in 2019, International Wineries for Climate Action, galvanising the global wine industry to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate climate impacts in vineyard and winery operations.

I am very pleased that Yangarra Estate, and therefore South Australia, is represented in this global movement to address climate change in winemaking.

Friends,

The creation of this new cellar door and winemaking facility marks the next step in Yangarra’s story.

It’s a significant investment in the region and positions you as a leader in the delivery of premium wine experiences in South Australia – not to mention the stunning views it offers of your property.

I congratulate Yangarra Estate and Jackson Family Wines on this facility, and I thank JBG Architects and Pascale Construction for their work creating this inspiring space.

As well as enjoying a wine tasting experience, no doubt visitors will also enjoy the chance to learn more about the grape growing and winemaking practices of the estate.

As a cellar door assistant, all those years ago, I came to learn that producing excellent wine was both a science and an art.

Here at Yangarra you have mastered both, and I look forward to following your journey as you play a leading role in the future of South Australian winemaking.

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