Creating something meaningful far outweighs the sacrifices
What’s the background to how you became owner of the vineyard?
Reflecting on life before the vineyard is a bit tricky for me. I only have faint memories of my early years, given that I was quite young when the vineyard became a part of my world, and it quickly became a defining aspect of my upbringing. As I approached my late teens, I began shouldering more responsibilities while still pursuing my education. Despite eventually completing university and embarking on a promising career with a prestigious company, I found myself torn between corporate demands and the connection I felt to the vineyard.
Eventually, about five years ago, I made the pivotal decision to leave my secure job and devote myself entirely to the vineyard!
What gave me the confidence to make such a significant change?
It wasn’t a single moment of epiphany, but rather a gradual realisation fuelled by several factors. I had started a family and was fed up with working two full-time jobs and not really achieving my best in either! When a round of redundancies came along in late 2018, it felt like it was the right time to take the plunge. The vineyard has always had a special ambiance. For a long time, I’ve had a vision of what I wanted to create, to offer visitors the opportunity to partake in the tranquillity of the surroundings and hopefully enjoy some wines too.
Transitioning from the structured environment of a corporate hierarchy to being the sole decision maker, it was tough putting plans in place to shape the future I had envisioned for nearly two decades. Launching the venture in the tumultuous spring of Covid 2020 required flexibility and resilience. It’s safe to say that I needed to have a flexible business plan and I’ve certainly learnt from making plenty of mistakes.
Who helped you along the way?
I haven’t navigated this journey alone. My supportive wife has been a constant source of encouragement and understanding. Additionally, I’ve been fortunate to encounter a network of like-minded individuals – fellow artisans, musicians and community members -who have generously shared their expertise and rallied behind our shared vision, one of whom I met through a local shepherd, when we were tentatively opening in the midst of the pandemic in 2020. We shared an idea over a glass of wine and a fortnight after that, we held our first outdoor jazz gig, playing to a full courtyard.
This evolved into our now ever-popular monthly “Jazz in Vines” sessions. I think that if you can convey your vision to people with passion and determination, you will find that people will want to share in that vision and help you along the way. The support of friends and collaborators has been invaluable in shaping our journey.
What’s been the impact on your life?
This is a question best answered by my family. Undertaking a project of this magnitude is more than just a business venture; it’s a lifestyle choice. The vineyard demands relentless dedication and effort, but the rewards—both tangible and intangible—are immeasurable. Every day brings new challenges and triumphs, from nurturing the vines to delighting in the smiles of our guests as they relax and unwind at Oaken Grove.
Despite the long hours and occasional setbacks, the sense of fulfilment derived from creating something meaningful far outweighs the sacrifices made along the way.
