In the three months since the publication of the summer edition of Drinks Trade magazine we have gone from crisis – the Australian bushfire season – to catastrophe, thanks to COVID-19.
When we were preparing the content for this issue, the bushfire crisis was at the forefront of our thoughts.
It captured the attention of the world and raised the voices of climate change advocates to a fever pitch.
Read our report on the industry impact on page 50.
Then with the rain came COVID-19.
So far I have born witness to empty shelves at the local supermarket stripped of soap, toilet paper , pasta, flour, rice and hand sanitiser.
Between the crisis and the catastrophe, we received the sad news of the passing of Hazel Murphy AM, one of the greatest advocates of Australian wine the industry has seen. When I asked Robert Joseph if he would write a few words in memory of her, not only was he delighted to do so, he was on his way to speak at a celebration of her life in London. Read his memory of the great Hazel, aka, Mighty Mouse on page 82 of the Drinks Trade Autumn edition.
Speaking of great people in Australian wine, this edition pays homage to our wine pioneers and families who worked tirelessly and fearlessly to lay the foundation of the Australian wine industry. Today, Australian wine is some of the best in the world, and so we acknowledge those who paved the way and say thank you. Our Australian Pioneers in Wine report begins on page 35.
For our International section we take a look at the United States. We speak to Grant Smillie, Gordon Little and Sam Holmes; all who are working in the US market. We also chat to two extremely impressive young and bright American businessmen, David Kaplan and Alex Day from Death and Co. in New York on page 68.
As for the months ahead, words written 100 years ago are my current sentiments exactly: “In the little moment that remains to us between the crisis and the catastrophe, we may as well drink a glass of champagne.” — Paul Claudel
I hope when I come to write the winter edition editor’s note, good news stories are sprouting all around. Until then I drink champagne; change that, Australian wine either from Tumbarumba, Hunter Valley or the Adelaide Hills, preferably family-owned and operated. Because as I am sure the late, great Hazel would agree, we get by with a little help from our friends.
Click here to read the digital edition of Drinks Trade Autumn.
