Much-loved Coonawarra winemaker Sue Bell is looking forward to what comes next for her wine business Bellwether, which she launched in 2009 to critical acclaim.
The parent company, Glen Roy Winemakers Pty Ltd, went into liquidation on Thursday 21 May, but Sue has launched a new company and Bellwether will continue.
The business has not ceased trading.
The popular campground with its barbecue packs remains open for business together with the cellar door with its sour dough classes and history tours of the beautiful old building and renovation.
Sue is waiting on a liquor licence so she can sell wine again.
Meanwhile, the Coonawarra Store has a range of Bellwether wines to purchase.
While she concedes the finance and administration side of the business – “the boring stuff”, she smiles – got away from her as the wine industry sunk deeper into crisis after years of challenges, Sue has a new accountant and a financial advisor.
“I care about the belief people have shown in me and I now have some really good people in my corner to navigate this next chapter,” she says.
On Wednesday 1 April Glen Roy Winemakers Pty Ltd faced a winding up order in the Federal Court, instigated by the Australian Taxation Office.
The company was given approval to trade through the busy Easter period.
Financial pickle
In the weeks leading up to that court action, Sue’s friends raised awareness of her “financial pickle” on social media and the wine industry and broader community responded, buying Bellwether wine in large enough quantities for Sue to clear the ATO debt.
However, Glen Roy Winemakers went into liquidation on Thursday 21 May.
Liquidator Michael Basedow from Pitcher Partners said, “I am currently considering whether the business can be operated under licence to the director, Sue Bell, who is hopeful of continuing what she has created at the Glen Roy Shearing Shed, while I consider all options available.”
Ironically, Sue was owed the most money by Glen Roy Winemakers – in unpaid wages and superannuation.
All staff have been paid their full entitlements.
“I accept full responsibility for my obligations and the very real need for good financial advice in small business,” Sue says.
“It is my fault that I got into this situation and should have spoken up sooner, but I was scared and frightened to ask for help, so just worked harder.
“The support of my customers, local community and greater wine community helped put me in the best possible position to go through a shitty scenario.
“The finger of blame lies entirely with me. But bureaucracy confuses the hell out of me.”
Sue says the whole experience has convinced her she is on the right track with the business.
“The upside is that it has confirmed that my aim to design a wine experience based on deeper, sincere – not elite, but not dumbed down – connection with people has been achieved and I truly think this is what we need into the future,” Sue says.
“Business had started to improve over the last year.
“My problem was a hangover from a few years ago, a combination of stacked tough times and a decline in my health to manage it better at that time.
“My friends, family and community have really helped me, we need to do this for each other for the next few years.”
Incredible support
Sue is feeling more positive about the business now – and is in a better head space – than she was two years ago.
The incredible support she has received from far and wide is not lost on her.
“I think it has been a comfort for me living in a small, authentic community with hard working people,” she says.
“I see all my peers at pilates, the boot camp, the swim club or the gym – this has helped my bravery to keep going and not be frightened to go to the supermarket or our local arts festival.
“I have been very honest with staff and suppliers and friends, as I feel truth deflates gossip – facts are facts no matter how tough they are.
“My lowest point after the ATO hearing was getting a flurry of messages last week when the media announced we had closed our doors.”
The doors are open – they have never closed. Sue is looking forward to moving on – her humour intact.
“Given recent announcements [from Endeavour Group] I remember writing in a social media post that the survival of Bellwether will not correct oversupply or fix the wine industry. I am a pimple in the scheme of things,” Sue says.
“The lovely Karena Armstrong from the Salopian Inn in McLaren Vale commented ‘more of a beauty spot than a pimple’ – that made my day.
“I am a strong person.
“What I also have is my health and the knowledge that people care about me – and a lot of wonderfully supportive friends and customers.”
Photo: Sue Bell with her daughter Maggie.
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