Well it’s that time of the year again, where we all try to find a minute in our hectic schedules to reflect on the year that has been and get excited for what is to come in 2023.
In looking back, it makes me laugh at the illusive pipe dream I once had of buying a vineyard in Eden Valley, with the goal of slowing down, relaxing, and enjoying a little vineyard retirement project... Ha! Fifteen years on and it couldn’t be further from that idea if it tried. But in purchasing this property and doing what we’re doing, a new dream was born, and today I’m living my dream and loving setting this business up for future generations.
So, to recap on 2022 and try to keep this brief (yes, I have been known for telling a long-winded yarn from time to time…)
On the weather and vineyard front |
It comes as no surprise that it’s been a very wet year, with rainfall well above average. Our dam (which we fortunately made bigger to 32M) overflowed for the third time since 2007 when we bought our property. It’s looking like we’ve had enough rainfall to give us a decent water supply for our next three vintages, and with a chilly Winter, cool Spring, and slow start to Summer, the season is bound to start later in 2023. Although interestingly enough, the oldies in the area are saying this weather is just like it was back 30 to 40 years ago, so time will tell!
The vineyard is in excellent shape considering all the rain we’ve had, and flowering started a couple weeks back, meaning we’re starting to assess what the approximate yield will be. So, keep an eye on our socials for some updates on the vineyard over these next few months.
Our new winery and bottling plant |
Possibly the most exciting development of the year – our new winery and bottling plant is nearing completion!
While it’s been an absolute whirlwind and more work than I ever could have imagined, we’re well and truly on the home stretch and are gearing up to have our first vintage in our own winery in 2023. We’re aiming for the first crush in March, with the bottling plant getting its first run in May next year too.
Building our own winery and bottling plant has always been a fantasy, and with Mack and Jack hopefully taking over the show a few years down the track, this is something the future generations of Brockenchack will certainly benefit from. Plus, a little building project has certainly been a secret pleasure of mine.
Luxury in the heart of the country |
Our B&Bs continue to book out and we love welcoming guests from around Australia and overseas once again, to our little piece of paradise in Eden Valley. So often we get wonderful feedback from guests about how serene and peaceful it is out here.
If you want to come and enjoy our luxury B&Bs for yourself, make sure youjump onlineand nab your preferred date, because they book up quickly. We’d love you to experience our luxury country getaway for yourselves.
We have received some wonderful awards |
I am immensely proud of theawardsour wines picked up this year on the world stage, of particular note; two Double Gold and 5 Gold medals across various international wine competitions.
Events return with a bang |
We were thrilled to be able to bring wine events back (after you know what) and celebrate with our extended wine-family across 35 tasting and dinner events in Australia and overseas. We love getting out and about with you, so thank you for your support at all these events. It means a lot.
News from the Brockenchack clan |
Well, we’ve certainly had a big year in the Brockenchack family…
Jack became the first of the grandkids to be tied down, putting a ring on his beautiful fiancé Laura! In September we welcomed the newest addition to our clan, and I officially became a Great Grandfather with the birth of Jack and Laura’s little baby boy, Archie Scott Pollock (see proud Grandad shot below). Jack continues to go great guns around the property and always goes the extra mile.
As many of you would know, in August Marilyn had a horrific car accident and has spent months regaining her strength. I always knew she was a strong woman, but her strength and determination to get better these last few months has been beyond amazing, and we’re thrilled to say that she is well on the road to recovery with her moon boot coming off just a few weeks ago.
Trudi and Susan spent a lot of time down at the vineyard these last few months helping Marilyn on her recovery, and also babysitting me from time to time. I’m very fortunate to have two beautiful daughters who dropped everything to help their parents out, and it’s in times like this that you really appreciate the incredible lengths that family go to for each other.
Darren continues to do an amazing job driving our sales department and this year enjoyed a few overseas trips as the world began to open back up (but more on that later). Mackofficially joined our business on a full-time basis as our accountant after finishing his university degree with flying colours. In the few months he’s been on board he’s learnt a huge amount and is already making an impressive mark on the business. We have no doubt this is only just the beginning for Macka and between him and Jack, I’m positive I’ll be out of a job in no time!
As for Charli and Bronte; these two never cease to amaze us with both their intelligence and beautiful personalities. Charli continues to study nursing, having just finished one of her practical placements. She’s become the new face of Brockenchack, helping out in the office and as many of you living in the Sunshine Coast would have seen, she’s been out and about doing wine deliveries. Bronte has been keeping extra busy with her Exercise Physiology Degree as well as running dance classes, taking dance classes, and performing on centre stage.
And while Megsy might not be a blood relation, she’s certainly part of our family! Over the ditch she has been busier than ever, keeping on top of all things Brockenchack. She’s been over to Oz twice this year, and we are ever-so-thankful for all the work she does in driving our business. Kylie in our Buderim office has also made herself at home and is the wonder woman managing our B&Bs, orders and stocks and all the odd bits and bobs that we throw her way (which she does an amazing job to catch).
Then there’s me… This year I was proud to launch our pinnacle wine, a Shiraz Cabernet which was aptly named after me. One of the highlights was the trip to Burgundy, France, as we were treated with some amazing scenery, Michelin-star food and world-class wine. I’d love to take Marilyn there in 2023 when she’s got her strength back, so watch this space! I’ve loved driving the winery project, as well as keeping busy with a dozen projects on the go at any given time. Seeing Jack and Mack excelling in their new roles in the business makes me incredibly proud of the men these two are turning into, and I can’t wait to see what this next year brings.
The jetsetters of Brockenchack |
With the boarders open again, Brockenchack took to the skies with wine trips across the globe; including England, France, Switzerland, Malaysia and New Zealand!
All in all, it’s been a huge year, and this is only just scratching the surface. But as always, it’s onwards and upwards for 2023 and we look forward to many more bottles of Brockenchack Wines being shared across the globe.
So from our family to yours, we wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
From Trev, and the Brockenchack Clan
