Courabyra’s vineyard, nestled in the Snowy Valleys, has grown through adversity. Photo: Courabyra Wines.
It took three major setbacks before award-winning Courabyra Wines could finally break ground on its long-planned cellar door expansion.
First came the Black Summer bushfires of 2019–2020, which devastated the Snowy Valleys, destroying homes, farmland and infrastructure.
Courabyra wasn’t spared, with fire scorching valuable vine stock.
Then came the COVID-19 lockdowns, shutting the business just weeks after it had reopened.
And finally, as construction on the new function centre was about to begin, builders hit underground water – delaying work yet again.
“At one point we just thought, we’re not going ahead with this,” said Cathy Gairn, who owns the vineyard with husband Brian. “We had no idea how we’d recover. We were closed for six weeks during the fires, running off a generator just to keep going. Then we were open for six weeks before COVID shut us down again.”
But it was the groundswell of support from visitors after lockdowns that changed everything.
“After COVID, we were inundated with people wanting to support regional NSW after the bushfires – people were coming in droves; it was wonderful,” Cathy said, “The bookings kept getting bigger and we were constantly putting up marquees for weddings and events.
“That’s when we realised we needed a proper space,” she said.
The Gairns successfully applied for $337,500 through the Federal and NSW governments’ Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Fund, matching the funds themselves to help bring the planned function centre to life.
It would become a major expansion – one designed to support the business, create jobs and bring more visitors to the region.
The original plan was to build a new standalone structure, but the underground water situation made that unworkable.
“The cost of doing the foundations where we’d planned was astronomical,” Cathy said, “so we pivoted.”
A new insulated wine shed was built at the back of the property for storage and tours and the existing wine storage space beneath the restaurant was converted into the new function centre.
The result is a 120-seat venue with a modern, warm design – alpine ash timber beams, hardwood floors and dark finishes – that opens directly onto the vineyard below, submersing guests into the vine to wine experience.
Courabyra’s expanded venue now hosts everything from weddings to wine tastings. Photo: Courabyra Wines.
It includes a bar, kitchenette, heating, soundproofing, alfresco area and full AV setup.
Although only just ‘officially’ completed, the new space has already been operational, hosting weddings, milestone birthdays, corporate functions and, unexpectedly, funeral gatherings.
“We never thought we’d be doing funerals,” Cathy said, “but people told us they wanted something a bit more peaceful and relaxed. Kids can play outside, and it’s not so sombre. We’ve even done full memorials – not with coffins, but with cremations. It’s been quite beautiful.”
The build involved local tradesmen and suppliers and creates new staff positions, and has also changed day-to-day operations at Courabyra.
With a dumb waiter now linking the restaurant kitchen upstairs to the space below, both areas can run independently – making it easier to manage multiple events or functions at once.
On the verandah new glass panels and heating mean guests can enjoy their wines with views of the vineyard year-round.
“That section was always a bit brisk in winter,” Cathy said, “but now it’s comfortable and people can still enjoy the scenery. The heaters only went in last month and it’s already made a difference.”
The new wine shed is also open to visitors.
“It lets us show people how we store wine, bottle it, even label it,” Cathy said. “We can do group tastings or take people on a little tour. It gives us flexibility.”
Alongside the plethora of popular cool climate vineyards in the region, tourism remains a major part of Courabyra’s growth, with nearby attractions like the Snowy Valleys Sculpture Trail, the Tumbarumba to Rosewood Rail Trail and the new Mt Tumbarumba bike trails continuing to draw visitors.
“People walk in and say, ‘We never expected to find something like this here,’” Cathy said.
“They’re coming from Perth, Queensland, Sydney – it’s amazing. They’re looking for that quiet, boutique vineyard experience.”
Looking ahead, the Gairns hope to make the venue more accessible by installing a lift between floors and eventually adding boutique short-stay accommodation onsite.
“It’s always been part of the plan,” Cathy said. “We’ve made space for a lift and even put in the window – we just don’t have the finances yet. But we’ll get there.”
In the meantime, the focus is on making full use of the new space – be it live music nights, wine tastings or private events – and continuing to play a role in the local economy.
“We’re working to attract more business from the Riverina, Murray and southern NSW,” she said. “It’s good for us, and good for Tumbarumba. There’s so much potential here.”
