As thousands of footy fans descended on the Barossa Valley for Gather Round 2025, Kies Family Wines took proactive steps to protect their vines from potential biosecurity risks.
Kies Family Wines is across the road from Barossa Park, the location of the regional Gather Round matches, on Barossa Valley Way. Owner Michael Kies said Gather Round was a good event for their business, and they considered vineyard biosecurity in the lead up to the weekend.
“We had people coming and parking on our property, and we used some of the land we’ve got across the creek for parking, which is next to our vineyard,” Michael said.
“We put hundreds of metres of bunting up along the headlands of the vineyards, so that it was very clear to visitors that they shouldn’t enter the vineyard. We also put up signs asking people not to walk into the vineyards.”
“I did see some people walk up to the sign and then turn away, so it was good that people were following the directions.”
Research conducted by Vinehealth Australia during the Responsible Visitation Campaign shows that putting up a barrier will deter most people from entering a vineyard.
“I also had staff telling people not to walk among the vines, so I feel quite confident that our vines were safe that weekend,” Michael said.
“Overall, it was a good weekend for us. Our cellar door was open and busy. It cost us a lot to put on because we had a big screen and then we had to buy the rights to televise the footy, but we had a lot of people through.”
This year, a total of 269,506 fans attended the nine Gather Round AFL matches across South Australia, including the two matches held in the Barossa Valley.
The South Australian Tourism Commission reported that the ‘Bounce Around the Barossa’ hop-on hop-off bus service transported almost 4,000 passengers to local businesses, wineries and towns around the Barossa.
“The inclusion of the Barossa in Gather Round 2025 has been a fantastic opportunity for our region. The Bounce Around the Barossa service made it easy for thousands of visitors to experience our world-renowned wine, food and scenery,” said Barossa Mayor Bim Lange.
“We’ve seen a real buzz in our towns and a genuine sense of excitement from both locals and visitors, plus it’s provided a great economic boost for our regional economy.”
The Barossa Council installed Wine Tourism Biosecurity Signs at intervals along the Barossa Trail walking and cycling path, between Nuriootpa and Lyndoch, before Gather Round.
The signs were donated to the council by Vinehealth Australia to assist with educating visitors about vineyard biosecurity.
“Kies Family Wines showcased how major events and vineyard protection can go hand in hand,” said Sam Scarratt, CEO of Vinehealth Australia.
“When vineyard owners like Kies Family Wines take initiative, and councils and event organisers work together, we can protect our vines from pests and diseases while still welcoming the public to enjoy our wine regions.”
