At Red Feet Wine, beautifully situated in the heart of King Valley, Megan and her brothers, Damien and Vince, have converted a block of farmland into a thriving vineyard that boasts breathtaking views across the lush valley. This transformation was not just a change of land use but a manifestation of a shared vision of viticulture and family enterprise. Damien, the winemaker, leverages a wealth of experience gained locally and overseas, bringing technical expertise and a global perspective to their local venture. Vince, on the other hand, manages the vineyard with a hands-on approach, having left the office life behind. Megan heads up the business and customer service roles and brings a creative spirit to the venture. Together, their diverse skills have shaped the family business into a model of successful rural entrepreneurship.
Megan recounts the genesis of their journey to creating a cellar door experience for visitors: "After a day's work, we'd relax with a glass of wine at our favourite place on the property and just soak in the tranquility and the scenery of the King Valley. That was our 'aha' moment—where we decided to build our cellar door." This spot, marked by its serene surroundings and the panoramic vista it offers, became the cellar door at Red Feet Wines. The cellar door embodies the spirit of hospitality and connection that the siblings aimed to foster for their visitors.
Celebrating over a decade of operation, Red Feet Wines has navigated considerable challenges, including devastating bushfires that led to a total loss of one year's crop. "You just have to keep going," Megan reflects on the aftermath, highlighting the resilience needed to manage the delayed wine production. This adversity has tested, but ultimately strengthened, their commitment to producing premium wines and enhancing the winemaking legacy of the King Valley region.
Megan is passionate about making wine accessible to everyone, including enhancing the wine tasting experience for all. "We want everyone to feel welcome here. Wine tasting should be an inclusive experience, and we're committed to ensuring all our visitors can enjoy it without barriers," she says, noting that current tasting notes are also offered in braille and options are available for varying physical abilities. Looking ahead, Megan envisions the winery as a cultural hub, planning to host events like sculpture walks and intimate music festivals that blend their wines with the artistic talents of the community.
For those considering starting their own winery or any business, Megan offers straightforward advice: "You've just got to start. That’s the hardest part. Don’t expect perfection at every turn, and make sure you enjoy customer service—it's crucial."
At Red Feet Wines, each sip of wine offers a taste of the King Valley, and every visit immerses guests in a community enriched by the dedication of a family that dreams big and cherishes every individual who steps through their door.