A family-run winery and business, Lilly from Cottontails Winery shares their 'grassroots' story below.   

Q. How did your grassroots story start?

A. It was 2001, after launching a successful financial business in Wagga Wagga, Gerry McCormick found the perfect property to establish (at the time) the newest winery in the Riverina – Cottontail Wines. In recent years, the small team has grown to include his daughter, Lilly, who strives on ensuring all guests feel a part of the family. Almost 20 years on and Cottontail Wines still aims to provide long last memories from the perfect occasion, being it a wedding, anniversary, birthday or date night.

Q. How would you define your business/service as local?

A. Our winery and restaurant are situated 15km to the north-east of Wagga Wagga on one-hundred acres with ten acres of vineyard planted in November 2002. We also planted over 175 olive trees that line our driveway and are fit to cope with the harsh Australian environment. All aspects of establishing the vineyard were sourced directly from the local area.

Our team prides themselves on being locally focused in all aspects of the business. We only shop through local butchers and grocers for all our restaurant/function stock and needs. Our wine is sold at most local bottle shops and restaurants. We know our community is extremely supportive and we love supporting local too!

Q. How have you pivoted during this time of Covid-19? And, have you experienced an increase in ‘shopping local?’

A.  We immediately set up an online store for our wines to be purchased direct as a way of buyers to ‘meet’ the producers during this time. We also found our current retailers have seen an increase in sales. We believe this time has reminded locals of what they already knew - that our region has the greatest produce and it can be delivered directly to your door.

Q. Why is it important for consumers to root for local?
A.  As all locals will attest, you can ensure shopping local means your produce is fresh and affordable and comes direct from the source. We love supporting such a great community, and, seeing the community continuously rally behind us makes us so proud to be part of the Riverina.

Q. What’s next for your business/service?

A.  Year on year we strive to increase our capabilities on providing perfect functions/weddings for all. After 10 years, we are still finding ways to enjoy and grow in all aspects of event planning. We look forward to the day we can get back to organising special occasions.

Head to the Cottontails Winery online listing for more on this great business.

<<< back to Back to our roots home page.