Several small businesses on Murrumbateman Road, north of Canberra, have banded together to help show the community they’re open for business while works are underway to repair a collapsed part of the road between Patemans Lane and Nanima Road.

The road repairs required due to recent heavy rains have put a strain on six, usually booming businesses – Murrumbateman Chocolate Co., Dionysus Winery, The Vintner’s Daughter Winery, Clonakilla, Tallagandra Hill, and Four Winds Vineyard. To help combat reduced visitation caused by the roadworks, the companies have combined to release an innovative ‘quick fix for flooding’ six-pack.

Owner of Dionysus Winery, Wendy O’Dea, says the partial closure of Murrumbateman Road has resulted in some of their quietest weekends in their 20-plus years of trading.

“We want people to know that the small businesses along Murrumbateman Road are open and accessible. Customers have thought that they were not able to get to us and this isn’t the case,” she says.

Murrumbateman Chocolate Co. owner, Yasmin Coe, laments that their trade has also been severely disrupted.

“The confusion over the roads has been distressing. However, we are open and accessible. We have a wonderful, friendly team and we love welcoming visitors out here,” she says.

Ms Coe told Canberra Daily her business is down about half on what they usually do this time of year, and their team is just itching to welcome people back to the region.

Launching on Friday 25 November is Murrumbateman Chocolate Co.’s Christmas range which will include items from their neighbour, Vineyard 1207, as well as other local products.

All supportive community members at heart, Ms Coe also encourages people to visit the surrounding businesses and pick up their Christmas wines from the local wineries.

Vintner’s Daughter co-owner Stephanie Helm revealed the business recently closed their doors early due to the lack of visitors.

“We would usually see a steady stream of visitors to the cellar door but road closures have obviously deterred people from making a trip out to Murrumbateman,” she says.

“We are open and keen to show you all the wonderful things that we have out here.”

Dionysus Winery, The Vintner’s Daughter Winery, Clonakilla, Tallagandra Hill, Murrumbateman Chocolate Co. and Four Winds Vineyard all collaborated on the ‘quick fix for flooding’ six-pack to help negate the disruption and bring their products to the people. The pack includes:

•             Clonakilla – Hilltops Shiraz

•             Vintner’s Daughter – Chardonnay

•             Dionysus – Pinot Noir

•             Four Winds Vineyard – Sangiovese Rosé

•             Murrumbateman Chocolate Co. – Chocolates

•             Tallagandra Hill – Vermentino

The pack costs $187 and can be purchased via www.fourwindsvineyard.com.au/product/a-quick-fix-for-flooding-six-pack

The group has designed two itineraries for visitors to avoid the partial road closure:

•             Nanima Road, Gundaroo loop: Murrumbateman Chocolate Co., Tallagandra Hill, Gundog Estate and Grazing at Gundaroo

•             Murrumbateman loop: Vintner’s Daughter, Clonakilla, Dionysus Winery and Four Winds Vineyard.

The road repairs are expected to be completed by Christmas, weather permitting.

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