The Shiraz Republic’s Cynthia Page, Brian Spencer, and Spencer Page pose with their award.
Photo by
Supplied
A perfect plate, a delicious drop and a focus on making memories
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It’s a simple recipe, but it’s certainly a crowd pleaser, netting The Shiraz Republic the Murray Regional Tourism (MRT) Tourism and Events Award at this year’s Campaspe Murray Business Awards.
While the honour means the world to the owners of the Cornella-based winery, there’s no time to celebrate, with the Christmas party season about to enter full swing.
“There’ll be no proper party for a while,” Brian Spencer, the winery’s president, said.
“We’re coming into the Christmas period and this recognition will drive and underpin what we do over the next few months.
“It’s great motivation to keep pushing on with what you’re doing, and I think we’ll manage to sneak a little celebration in while we do it.”
Brian and his wife Cynthia Page purchased the property in the late 90s, gradually transforming it into a hospitality and accommodation venue with options for all tastes.
There’s the classic wine tasting, supplemented by offerings of live music, rent-a-row winemaking, fresh pizza, craft beer brewed on site and, during the canola season, a purpose-grown crop for visitors to wander amongst and take photos.
The canola walk allows visitors to wander through seemingly endless fields of yellow without putting themselves or farmers’ crops at risk.
Photo by
Monique Preston
“Around 10 years ago we decided while we are a winery, and we’re really proud of the wines we make, and we’re a brewery and very proud of the beers we make, we’re ultimately in the tourism and hospitality game,” Mr Spencer said.
“This is about the customer coming in and having a good time.
“People come here, and they’ll remember the wines, but ultimately, they remember they caught up with family and friends, and they take back photographs from different things around the place and really create those memories.
“It’s really what underpins what we do. We’re passionate about it, and it truly brings us joy watching other people make memories.”
Mr Spencer thanked his staff for their commitment and their efforts in helping the business secure the award.
He said for an intergenerational family business, having people with similar values and a passion for hospitality was a must, and his staff constantly impressed him by going above and beyond to create memorable guest experiences time and time again.
“This is our life,” he said.
“We’re not building up the venue to sell it, it’s our home.
“My son and I both live on the property, and we use our incredible staff to give us breaks so we’re not doing endless seven-day stints and burning ourselves out.
“Having people you can trust means we can take those breaks with confidence, and I’m just so grateful we’ve been able to have such loyal and flexible staff.”
Mr Spencer’s biggest thanks was saved for the communities support the winery, saying without the support and promotion from residents of nearby Colbinabbin, the award would never have been won.
The next steps for The Shiraz Republic are about giving back.
The owners want to attract more people, both to the venue and the surrounding towns more broadly, planning to harness the momentum from this win to power through the Christmas season and expand the winery’s accommodation offerings.
“This win gives us an opportunity to reflect a bit,” Mr Spencer said.
“I’m grateful for the community, I’m grateful for our staff, and it’s been really gratifying to be given this honour.
“This is a busy time of the year when people are out doing parties, family gatherings and catchups, so hopefully this puts us on people’s radars a bit more as somewhere to come, and we can share everything we and our wider communities have to offer with even more people.”
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