Memorials bringing new life to SA vineyards
The state’s wine sector is seeing an unlikely service support some of its most popular wineries.
McLaren Vale wine industry members are welcoming increasing demand for memorial services to be hosted at wineries amid growing struggles in the industry.
Banksia Memorials is a newly established Fleurieu Peninsula business that coordinates memorial gatherings at winery and hospitality venues rather than traditional funeral chapel settings.
Founder Velvet Oakes said she was inspired by years of work in the wine and hospitality industry to give back to families and a community in need.
“The wine industry specifically is facing some of the hardest times in history, and so bringing more people through these stunning venues is top of everybody’s mind,” Oakes said.
“This is just a really powerful way to connect with the community and bring people together in some of those places.”
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Oakes had previously spent more than 20 years working in the wine, hospitality and event curation across the McLaren Vale region, including stints at McLaren Vale Distillery and Coriole Vineyards.
She says major McLaren Vale vineyards including Chalk Hill, Paxton and Battle of Bosworth Wines have jumped on board as host venues.
It comes as the state’s wine sector reels from repeated blows to the industry triggered by global oversupply, declining grape prices and devastating trade tariffs reaching back to 2020.
Premier Peter Malinauskas alongside state government officials, relevant ministers and agency representatives met with wine grape growers, winemakers, and peak bodies including the South Australian Wine Industry Association and Wine Grape Council of SA to establish a “whole-of-government” response to the crisis in August.
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The wine sector is one of the state’s most economic drivers in the state, with SA winemakers producing 80 per cent of the country’s premium wine and 50 per cent of all bottled wines.
But July data from Wine Australia showed there was a 25-year low in wine grape crush that contributed a more than $100 million loss to the state economy.
The hosting of services at some of the Fleurieu Peninsula’s top wine destinations has been lauded by McLaren Vale Wine Region CEO Erin Leggat who says venues play an important role in people’s lives.
“Our wineries and hospitality venues are places where people come together to celebrate milestones, share important moments and create lasting memories with family and friends,” Leggat said.
“Banksia Memorials’ approach recognises that these same places can also provide a meaningful and deeply personal setting to honour someone’s life.
“It reflects the warmth, hospitality and strong sense of community that are such an important part of McLaren Vale, and the connection people feel to this region.”
Oakes said the “niche” business model was mutually beneficial for families and wineries, with Australian Bureau of Statistics data suggesting almost 70 per cent of Australians are opting for cremation over traditional burials.
“That very traditional funeral home setting is starting to wane, so I wanted to create something that gives people a bit more choice, something personal and human and flexible,” she said.
“It’s not about making grief easier or taking away the sadness, but more about creating space for people to say goodbye and remember and come together.”
The Banksia Memorials founder says the group also included other destinations with RSL Clubs, beaches and private gardens becoming increasingly popular.
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