In what was meant to be his golden years of retirement, a local construction stalwart has turned a passion for winemaking into award-winning success.
For more than 30 years, Trevor Harch shared the helm of one of the Sunshine Coast’s largest building companies, Evans Harch.
But now he is drinking the fruits of his next labour – his retirement project.
Mr Harch and his wife Marilyn established Brockenchack Wines in 2007. Nestled in South Australia’s picturesque Eden Valley, the duo are committed to crafting single-vineyard vegan wines.
The wine producer was crowned Best Eden Valley Shiraz, Best South Australian Shiraz and Best Australian Shiraz at the recent International Wine Challenge for the limited-release 2019 William Frederick Shiraz.
In its 39th year, the International Wine Challenge is widely acknowledged as the world’s most rigorous, impartial and influential global wine competition.
This year’s competition saw thousands of wines from more than 50 countries blind-tasted by an international panel of experts, making the wins an exceptional achievement for the family-owned and operated boutique wine producer.
Making the win even more special was that the William Frederick Shiraz is named in honour of Mr Harch’s late father.
A true family endeavour, Brockenchack is named as a tribute to Trevor and Marilyn’s four grandchildren – Bronte, Mackenzie, Charli and Jack – who are now taking their place in the business to continue the family legacy.
The Harches continue to have a big connection to the Sunshine Coast with their sales and exports office in Buderim and half of their team based there.
Mr Harch said the whole Brockenchack family were delighted that their hard work and passion had shined through in their wines, and in particular the William Frederick Shiraz.
“We are all still cheering to receive not only one but three big nods of approval from what is dubbed to be the top of the global wine community,” he said.
“It has been a big start to the year with our notable first vintage in our brand-new winery and bottling plant in Eden Valley – a feat which has been 10 years in the making.
“This win affirms that we are on the right path. You could say it’s heightened our whole family’s passion to continue to deliver winemaking excellence.”
The William Frederick Shiraz pays tribute to Wilhelm Friedrich Harch (1910-76).
“Both of my parents were incredibly hard workers, which has been inherited throughout the generations – a family trait that has lasted the test of time in all endeavours and passions,” Mr Harch said.
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