At Harris Organic Wine, we take pride in our unique niche as the only certified organic distiller in Australia, producing high-quality brandy and vodka for both national and Asian markets. Our commitment to organic practices ensures that customers receive pure and authentic products, free from harmful chemicals and pesticides. With a strong online presence, we have successfully reached customers worldwide, fostering a community of enthusiasts who appreciate the quality and sustainability of our offerings.

Duncan Harris, the passionate proprietor, believes in the power of organic production. He emphasizes the importance of transparency and consumer trust, evident in the meticulous crafting of every bottle. With our certified organic brandy and vodka introduced in 2019, we have expanded our reach to the Asian market, catering to discerning consumers who value the essence of pure, organic spirits. Explore the world of Harris Organic Wine and experience the unparalleled quality of our organic products, carefully crafted to delight the senses while promoting environmental well-being.

“It is proving extremely popular with Asian countries and here in Australia. Our spirit is used in making the only Australian fortified organic wines, which are winning medals at the Swan Valley Wine Show. We were producing spirit for our fortified organic wines, so thought we’d make the most of it. Vodka has the same spirit base used to fortify our ports.

Selling  Organic Wine Direct

In 1998, I acquired a property in Swan Valley, the oldest wine region in Western Australia, situated approximately 30 kilometres from Perth. There, I established an organic vineyard, with our inaugural vintage in 1999, sourced from a neighboring dry-grown vineyard in Swan Valley.

Regarding our sales strategy, we exclusively conduct online sales for our products in Australia and Asia, bypassing intermediaries and wholesalers. We opt for direct shipping, providing door-to-door delivery without import duties for Hong Kong. Most of our artisanal products are sold at our cellar door, which commenced operations in 2000, along with a single bottle shop in Perth. We favour this approach as it allows us to offer seated tastings, fostering relationships with our customers and enhancing our brand. We consciously avoid interstate sales due to the substantial markup demanded by wholesalers, which would require doubling our wine production for the same income.

While we explored expanding within Western Australia, attempts to collaborate with city-based bottle shops proved challenging. Despite our proximity to Perth, many establishments showed little interest in stocking our organic products. Although I am keen to explore more overseas markets, the effort required must be carefully weighed against the potential benefits.

Organic Wine overseas markets

I understand your perspective. Selling our wine to organic and all-natural wine bars in cities like New York or Paris might seem appealing, but the constant travel, along with the necessary import and export permits, could consume a significant amount of time and effort. It would require frequent visits to cater to customers, wholesalers, and importers. Personally, you prefer being at home, overseeing operations and driving the tractor.

In Western Australia, we are among the limited number of organic wineries, with only about 10 others in the region. We take pride in being the sole certified organic winery in the Perth area since 2006. Despite the challenges, you believe there’s a substantial market for organic wines, although few wineries are willing to delve into the organic industry. You emphasize the importance of vineyard care, highlighting the energy and passion required for tasks like weed removal and daily vineyard inspection.

Your commitment to sustainability is evident through various aspects of our winemaking process. We’ve constructed an underground cellar for naturally cooler storage, and whenever possible, we use recyclable glass and cork, though finding Australian bottles with cork mouths has become increasingly challenging. Additionally, our energy-efficient practices, minimal electricity usage, and limited application of preservatives and additives further underscore our dedication to environmental and social responsibility.

Organic Wine Pricing

Despite operating in a region renowned for producing premium wines, I’ve maintained a competitive price point by carefully calculating production costs and adding a reasonable margin. Being organic doesn’t necessitate inflating the prices; our organic wines remain competitive with other high-quality wines in the country.

Moreover, our online presence plays a pivotal role in our growth and sustainability. Platforms like Facebook and Instagram serve as vital channels where people seek information, and many of our customers have discovered us through these platforms. Maintaining a strong online presence is essential; it’s where the answers lie, and being absent could result in missed opportunities for our business.

Organic Wine Chemicals

Raising awareness about the herbicide, pesticide, and chemical fertilizer residues found in wines is crucial. By intensifying our marketing efforts to highlight these differences and emphasize the health benefits of organic wines, we can significantly increase awareness and drive demand for our organic products. Educating consumers about the potential hazards of conventional winemaking practices and showcasing the purity and health advantages of organic wines can indeed make a substantial impact on our industry.

Swan Valley Wine Events

Hosting events at the winery provides an excellent opportunity to educate people about our products and organic viticulture. It allows guests to ask questions, fostering a deeper understanding of our practices. Your analogy of building a supply chain like a brick wall, one brick at a time, aptly captures the gradual yet steady approach required for its success.

As the sole certified organic winery in Perth’s Swan Valley, we are proud to be at the forefront of the organic wine movement. We believe this movement is a global trend driven by informed consumers who demand transparency regarding the ingredients in their foods. It serves as a social response against corporate monopolies prioritizing shelf life and profits over human well-being and ecological sustainability.

At Harris Organic Wines, we advocate for biological welfare, not warfare. Embracing this approach is not only a choice but a necessity for a sustainable future, aligning with the values of conscientious consumers worldwide.

Is there anything else I can assist you with, Duncan?