Winery Spotlight: Tim Dexter of Oakridge Wines

Brunch Bites | When Platforms Change Overnight

A few weeks ago, alcohol-related pages across Facebook were flagged as ineligible for recommendation. Meta has since clarified that it was a technical issue and largely resolved it. But the lesson remains. If your growth relies heavily on algorithm-led discovery, your business is exposed to decisions you do not control. In this episode, we cover: * What happened with Meta temporarily stopped recommending alcohol-related pages * Why even temporary disruption matters * The difference between rented platforms and owned channels * How paid media can bridge organic discovery to conversion * Why database growth should be your priority * The growing importance of SEO and AI discoverability * How to build an integrated DTC ecosystem that holds up under pressur Social media is powerful. But it is rented space. Your database, your website, your ecommerce store and your automated flows are assets you control. If this moment made you question how exposed your current setup is, that’s a good thing. Download our free resource and explore the rest of our resources on the website. [https://brunchagency.com/pages/brunch-resources] And if you want to talk it through properly, reach out to us here.  [https://brunchagency.com/pages/contact]

Winery Spotlight: Tim Dexter of Oakridge Wines

In today’s chat with Tim , we talk about how winemakers learn to communicate outside the winery, why different audiences need different stories, and how to keep your message clear across cellar door, trade, and wine club. Tim shares how his retail background shaped his approach to selling wine, why people connect more with place and personality than technical detail alone, and what extra resourcing can unlock inside a winery. We also touch on how Oakridge is adapting its cellar door focus, and what the current season is doing in the Yarra. In this episode: * How retail experience translates to better wine sales * Why knowing your product builds confidence and trust with consumers * How to tailor your message for cellar door, trade, and wine club * Why people and place matter more than technical detail alone * What resourcing can change inside a winery and vineyard * How Oakridge is adapting its cellar door offering * Weather in the Yarra and the upcoming vintage All Links & Resources * Find all of our free resources here [https://brunchagency.com/pages/brunch-resources?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=resource_signup] * Want to chat through your winery’s email strategy? Book a free consult with us here [https://brunchagency.com/pages/contact#] * Visit us at brunchagency.com [https://brunchagency.com/] * Follow us on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/brunchagency_/] * Connect with us on LinkedIn [https://linkedin.com/company/brunchagency]

Exports Spotlight: With Pete Bentley of Pikes Wines

Todays chat with Pete is one that you don't want to miss. We go inside Pikes’ export playbook: why the right distributor beats the “right” market, what's moving the needle in our current market, and how to stay steady when tariffs and travel knock plans around. Pete also shares first steps for small wineries and the health routines that make the job sustainable. In this episode: * How strong customer relationships set the foundation for DTC growth * Why working together beats going it alone in regional wine networks * How trade and export connections can support your long-term goals * First steps for small wineries with limited hands on deck * Health, routines, and staying balanced when you're on the road All Links & Resources * Find all of our free resources here [https://linktr.ee/brunch.agency] * Want to chat through your winery’s email strategy? Book a free consult with us here [https://brunchagency.com/pages/contact#] * Visit us at brunchagency.com [https://brunchagency.com/] * Follow us on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/brunchagency_/] * Connect with us on LinkedIn [https://linkedin.com/company/brunchagency]

Why Relationships Matter in the Wine Industry

From cellar door loyalty and winery collaborations to trade partnerships and regional networks, this episode dives deep into what makes the Australian wine industry so connected. Hugh, Charlotte, and John share their experiences across every layer of the wine world, from building trust with customers to working with regional associations and industry bodies. They also explore how collaboration can lift the whole sector, making Australian wine stronger at home and abroad. In this episode: * How strong customer relationships set the foundation for DTC growth * Why working together beats going it alone in regional wine networks * How trade and export connections can support your long-term brand goals * What regional and national wine bodies do, and how to get involved * Stories of wineries backing each other and building something bigger together Mentioned in this episode: * Wine Australia [https://www.wineaustralia.com] * Australian Grape & Wine [https://www.agw.org.au] * Wine Victoria [https://winevictoria.org.au] * Wine Tasmania [https://winetasmania.com.au] * Wines of Western Australia [https://winewa.asn.au] * NSW Wine Industry Association [https://nswwine.com.au] * Queensland Wine Industry Association [https://qldwine.com.au] 📍 Explore your regional wine association: AGW Regional Directory [https://www.agw.org.au/about-australian-grape-and-wine/the-grape-and-wine-sector/regional-wine-associations/] 📘 Learn more about Vision 2050: Australian Grape & Wine Vision 2050 [https://www.agw.org.au/about-australian-grape-and-wine/the-grape-and-wine-sector/vision-2050/] All Links & Resources * Find all of our free resources here [https://linktr.ee/brunch.agency] * Want to chat through your winery’s email strategy? Book a free consult with us here [https://brunchagency.com/pages/contact#] * Visit us at brunchagency.com [https://brunchagency.com/] * Follow us on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/brunchagency_/] * Connect with us on LinkedIn [https://linkedin.com/company/brunchagency]

Social Media That Sells (Part Two)

We’re going back to basics with Social Media That Sells (Part Two) designed for the small winery teams doing it all. In this episode, Maddy and Amber share what matters most on your socials. Learn how to: * Build simple content pillars that guide your posts * Use Facebook and Instagram effectively * Share the social load across your team * Repurpose user-generated content * Batch, schedule, and simplify your posts * Use AI tools without losing your winery’s voice 👉 Download Social Media Basics for Wineries [https://linktr.ee/brunch.agency] here All Links & Resources * Find all of our free resources here [https://linktr.ee/brunch.agency] * Want to chat through your winery’s email strategy? Book a free consult with us here [https://brunchagency.com/pages/contact#] * Visit us at brunchagency.com [https://brunchagency.com/] * Follow us on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/brunchagency_/] * Connect with us on LinkedIn [https://linkedin.com/company/brunchagency]