Join The Rare Ozzies Tribe

Mock up of the cover of the Rare Ozzies Book

This project is a collaborative effort by winemakers who are using one or more rare varieties in Australia. 

The aim is to develop ways to jointly promote these varieties to wine outlets and directly to interested consumers. If someone is brave enough to try Arinto perhaps they might like to try Assyrtiko. Or vice versa.

This can be done more effectively by targeted, cooperative activities.

The coordinator of the project is Darby Higgs, founder of the Vinodiversity website.

What is a rare Variety

Rare variety in this context means that there are less than 10 producers in Australia, regardless of its global importance.

The current list of the varieties covered by the project is on this page. As you would understand it is not a static list.

You might be surprised to know that there are over 100 grape varieties that fit into that category  - and at least 200 wineries which are using at least one of these varieties. So while the varieties are rare, collectively there is the potential to make a big noise.

Benefits

The major benefit for participating wineries will be selling more of their wine. 

If a restaurant is pouring Verdejo this month then maybe they need to hear about your Arinto.

A retailer having success with Mencia might like to also stock your Pinotage.

If a wine enthusiast has discovered Dornfelder then perhaps she needs to know about your Zwiegelt.

Activities

A sustained and co-ordinated Social Media campaign will inform buyers at retail outlets, restaurants, wine bars and the general public about these new wines.

If we combine forces on our various social media outlets we can reach a huge audience of consumers who are interested to try something different.

Cooperative action on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

Setting up a shared Pinterest board.

Book production: The printed book is now available from this page

How members can be involved

Number one, join the tribe. Initially at least we will be coordinating our activities via an email newsletter. We might need some project organisation software later.

Members will be encouraged to take part by

• Joining the tribe's social media campaigns
• I will be giving some help for those of you who are not doing so well on Social Media.
• Mentioning Rare Ozzies on their websites, in their newsletters and when they are interacting with clients in their tasting rooms.
• Providing some comments for the book as it progresses
• Helping in the distribution of the book
• Later a crowd funding project will be launched to cover pre-production and marketing costs of the book - members will be invited to contribute -  but this will be optional.

Questions