As the tightening of COVID-19 restrictions in SA sees the hospitality industry doing it tough once again, it’s time to come together and support the resilient industry we know, love and rely on.
The friendly neighbourhood wine bar, Good Gilbert, is lending a helping hand to its small South Australian winemaker mates by launching the initiative, Good Mates Gilbert, to support local wineries forced to close or facing a reduction in trade.
For the foreseeable future, the by the glass wine list at Good Gilbert will be pouring only SA independent wines, continuing their support to our incredible, small-batch wineries during these trying times.
“We wanted to support [local wineries], and I’ve made the decision whilst we are under heavy restrictions, we will order from the smaller guys who need the exposure,” says owner and sommelier Wilson Shawyer.
“Our main wine list will remain as it is, but we are going to really bolster the independent businesses by pouring them by the glass.”
Over the next fortnight, Good Gilbert will rotate their by the glass menu as much as possible, while also inviting winemakers to come down and sell their own wine from behind the bar.
By continuing to pour and purchase small-batch stock, and letting Adeladians taste the tipples from terrific local winemakers, Good Gilbert is hoping to help those who’ve faced tough times during the busiest time of the year.
“It will be similar to a cellar door in the city if you will,” says Wilson.
“I think it’s important for people to see the makers of the wine… it’s adding that personal element that is often dissociated in hospitality.
“We want to put a face to the bottle, they are people…and they have lives that need to be supported.”
The bottles of independent SA wine will also be available to purchase as well, so taste your way through the stellar line-up, and pick your favourite to take home and enjoy. Next week, Ada Wine Co, Coulter Wines, Charlotte Dalton Wines, Kin Wines and Wangolina are amongst the wineries starring on the SA-centric wine list.
For Wangolina owner and winemaker Anita Goode, the Good Mates Gilbert initiative demonstrates the comradery of the resilient industry.
“As a small business, having to shut our main outlet in the peak of our tourism and summer season wasn’t ideal. That little hit that you take, while we know it will be fine, but to be included in [Good Mates Gilbert] is a great morale booster,” says Anita.
“It’s a privilege to have such a great relationship with a great business…and it’s lovely to be supported by businesses in the same boat…it’s nice to see that comradery…it makes us feel like we are all in this together.
“The whole message throughout the pandemic is to shop local, and I think it’s still just as important as ever.”
For those who know and love Good Gilbert like we do, you’ll be familiar with their incredible revolving wine list each week. For the uninitiated, Wilson and the team have created an ever-changing list of wines from Australia and Europe to feature on the menu each week.
Boasting a cellar of over 300 wines, it is safe to say Good Gilbert knows a thing or two about great drops. But best of all – Wilson knows that some of the best wines and winemakers in the world derive from our backyard, which is why he has turned his focus to shining a light on some of SA’s small yet mighty wine producers.
As the hospitality industry continues to feel the ripple effects of the strict restrictions, they need the support of South Australians more than ever. Check out our extensive guide to who’s open, trading and needing your support here.
You can find Good Gilbert at 135B Goodwood Road Adelaide, SA, Australia 5034
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