Courabyra Wines is known for its excellent reputation as a premium destination in the Snowy Valleys region.
From its award-winning wines made from estate-grown grapes to its exceptional restaurant creating delicious meals and high-quality customer service, this venue provides a stand-out experience for all that walk through the doors.
Now, that experience has become even better, with the completion of the Cellar Door expansion and Function Centre build. Made possible by $337,500 from the Australian and NSW Government’s Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Fund, which was matched by Brian and Cathy Gairn.
The Fund also had extensive benefits to the region through the creation and retention of jobs and to support market expansion to stimulate economic recovery from the 2019/2020 bushfires.
Federal Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain said the joint investment by the Australian and NSW Governments was about creating economic opportunities for regions touched by disasters.
“Businesses like Courabyra Wines are the lifeblood for our regions and play such an important role employing locals, attracting tourists, and sharing the deep heritage of Tumbarumba winemaking,” Minister McBain said.
“Having been to Tumbarumba on numerous occasions as the previous local member, I know firsthand the amount of work Courabyra Wines have put into the product and into visitor attraction to the area. It’s incredible to see their vision come to life.
“Both levels of government have partnered to deliver positive outcomes like this for communities impacted by the devastating Black Summer Bushfires, helping them thrive in the long-term. It’s always good to see businesses like this go from strength to strength.”
Owner Cathy Gairn said: “We have been able to use local tradesmen and suppliers to undertake the expansion and building work, while creating new positions to staff the Function Centre which has been a wonderful outcome from the project.
“Our property was impacted directly from the bushfires and it was an incredibly challenging time for us and for the region to come back from. We recognised the opportunity the funding would provide our business through product diversification but also how our visitors could also benefit the entire town while staying and spending in Tumbarumba.”
The expansion allowed the veranda’s to be enclosed with glass windows and adding heating which enables greater protection from the elements, particularly in the cooler months and has increased the Cellar Door seating capacity during inclement weather.
“Many customers elect to sit outside and relax in the grounds and gardens, but this is only possible if the weather is mild," Ms Gairn said.
"Seating in the expanded area still offers the prime position to enjoy the expansive views of mountains and overlooks the Courabyra vineyard while staying comfortable, warm and dry!”
The Courabyra Wines Function Centre is the new in-demand venue for large gatherings, events and special moments. The finishing touches have just been added – including most recently installing heating, sound proofing and alfresco seating space. There is also conference or corporate hire opportunities with a PA sound system, projector and screens installed. Although only just ‘officially’ completed, the venue has been in demand for the last few months and has been extremely well received by patrons.
The Function Centre has allowed a diversification from regular operations and a now an upscaled value-add option for function bookings.
“We already have forward bookings to host many special moments including milestone birthdays, wedding celebrations, car club gatherings, corporate groups and even memorial services which were an unexpected market for us but very welcome to accommodate,” Ms Gairn said.
The Function Centre seats 120 guests, has its own bar and kitchenette and is supported by the main kitchen which allows full table service like the restaurant normally operates. The venue is styled in a modern manner with a combination of hardwood floors, dark features and Alpine Ash timber beams throughout. The space opens out to the Vineyard below, submersing guests in the into the vine-to-wine experience.
“With over 10,000 visitors each year, we had a real need to expand and be able to accommodate more bookings and this project has allowed us to grow and continue to attract visitors to Tumbarumba, we are incredibly grateful for the opportunity and very excited to be officially finished,” Ms Gairn said.
