The 2020 Homeless Grapes Project has the hallmarks of a quality easy-drinking McLaren Vale Shiraz — a late ripening vintage, premium fruit and an award-winning winemaker — yet the pre-release offer is available now at only $15 a bottle.

The reason for such a low price is that resources and talents are gifted to raise funds for Hutt Street Centre, a charity that nurtures thousands of people affected by homelessness.

Launched in 2015 by Chalk Hill and Vinomofo, the annual fundraiser sees the McLaren Vale community unite to ensure every element of the winemaking process —from grape to glass — is donated. This includes the fruit, harvesting, winemaking, bottling, packaging, branding and selling.

There’s no middleman; every cent goes to the charity.

“Everyone along the production chain contributes, that’s why it’s such a good project,” says Jock Harvey, Chalk Hill vigneron and Homeless Grapes co-founder. “It turns fruit into services for the homeless straight away.

“If you haven’t got a postal address or access to money, you can quickly lose the ability to look after yourself and can easily fall off the rudder. But Hutt Street provides a really important safety net where you can eat, shower, and wash your clothes so you don’t feel destitute.”

It is estimated that Homeless Grapes has donated over $250,000 since it was launched, with this year’s fundraiser expected to add a further $60,000.  

“If you were to measure that in terms of meals, McLaren Vale has given us 150,000 two-course meals a year,” says Michael Francis, Hutt Street Centre’s Development and Partnership Manager. 

“But they’ve actually given our clients much more.

“One of the reasons people experience homelessness is that they have no network; they are lonely and isolated. A lot of our clients refer to themselves as being invisible. They feel that very strongly, but when a community comes out in support like this it touches their hearts enormously.”

Hutt Street Centre is based in Adelaide’s CBD, assisting up to 3000 people a year. Support ranges from helping clients into safe housing, employment, and reconnecting with family, to medical services, showers, lockers and meals. 

“We love the McLaren Vale community; they’re so giving and generous, and thanks to them we’re able to support our clients rebuild their lives,” Mr Francis says. 

Sponsors of the 2020 Homeless Grapes Project are:

• Jock Harvey — Chalk Hill shiraz.
• Vinomofo — branding and sales (pre-release offer $15/bottle)
• Ben Riggs  — winemaker, Mr Riggs Wine Company
• Vinpac — bottling and packaging.
• Grape pickers ­— 100 epic volunteers.

For more information visit:

• Q&A with Jock Harvey on the Fleurieu App’s lifestyle page.
• Hutt Street Centre
• Halliday’s review of Mr Riggs Wine Company.
• Homeless Grapes 2016 to watch the video that captures the passion behind the project.