Bridget says:

Friends,

I am crippled with grief. Last Friday, 5th of December the tank containing wine ready for bottling was breached, and 2000 litres of premium Pinot Noir was lost in seconds. This forklift accident happened when I was not even there, and to say I am devastated would be an understatement.

I am Bridget Mac, a sole operator winemaker, based in Melbourne. ‘Werkstatt’ is the name of my four-year-old winemaking business which has gained respect in the restaurant industry and wine-loving community for high quality, small batch wines. I buy grapes from organic vineyards, handle them with care to make delicate wines in the winery to be loved at tables and in fine restaurants around the country. The wines are consistently awarded medal-level quality, and recently a Werkstatt Wine was named in the top 100 Australian wines. They bring so much happiness.

My point is that as a small business I make small batches with intense care, and this wine was by far the most substantial amount I have made to date, and easily the most costly to produce. I was hoping to finally break even, pay myself a wage, and share this special vintage beyond the core fans and restaurants who already love it. I had hoped that the proceeds of this wine would enable me to go and make wine and learn more in Germany and Austria, but now these dreams may be lost.

At this moment, no insurance policy has been engaged and it is unclear the extent to which the persons involved will take meaningful responsibility. On the contrary, certain key stakeholders are seeking to deny liability. I am therefore seeking support from my community and the real lovers of wine, to help the dream of Werkstatt to continue. The proceeds of this fundraiser will cover the loss of my product, repairing the damaged property, and to keep Werkstatt going into the future. With these funds I’d also be better placed to hold those responsible to account.

The initial target of $75k would cover approximately 50% of my direct losses. To put this funding into perspective, my estimated direct costs for the lost wine, (money spent and potential sales) exceed $150,000.

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If I am reimbursed through insurance or a settlement, any remaining balance from this fundraiser will be donated to Full Stop Australia - Australia’s leading sexual, domestic and family violence response and recovery service.