More cellar doors for the Barossa

The list of Barossa cellar door outlets continues to increase.

This comes after widespread calls for downsize in the wine industry, following a report of about two billion litres of Australian wine sitting in stock.

According to Barbara Storey from Barossa Grape Growers Association, there are 74 cellar door outlets listed in the Barossa.

She explained new cellar doors have slowly emerged on the scene.

In the early 2000s there were about 50 cellar doors which shows a continual growth to now,” Barbara said.

“Cellars doors to open soon include Kalleske at Greenock and Te-Aro at Williamstown,” she added.

Tscharke Pty Ltd in Marananga recently lodged an application with Light Regional Council to open both a cellar door and bed and breakfast.

Damien Tscharke, owner of Tscharke Wines, is keen to expand his existing winery to a maximum of 500-tonne annual crush.

He explained, while the recent economic downturn hit the industry hard, he has confidence in his quality of wines.

“We are overwhelmed at how our consumers continue to appreciate our product,” Damien said.

Damien added he has no doubt this loyalty and his business plans will lead Tscharke Wines into a bright future.

To date, there are 2420 wine producing companies in Australia.

In 2010 alone, there was a net gain of 100 Australian wine producers and eight for New Zealand.

According to the Australian and New Zealand Wine Industry Directory, the wine industries’ rate of growth has been similar to the rate in the 1990s.

The directory also reveals the companies listed has doubled each decade.

Also, South Australia scored the highest number of new producers with a total of 648.