Zoe and Josh of Ohana Winery and Exotic Fruits are the poster children for how a quarter-life crisis can be the greatest thing to happen to you!
Dedicated office professionals in their 20s, the Perth couple had plenty of experience in wine drinking but no background in agriculture or winemaking. After a month-long holiday to Hawaii, they decided to pursue a life away from a desk and put the plans in motion to move to sunny Queensland and start their own business.
(Credit: Paul Beutel)
Facing insurmountable logistical challenges in grape wine production, the entrepreneurial pair adapted a Hawaiian pineapple wine recipe with the support of a local pineapple farmer and their business took off from there.
After three and a half exciting years on their eleven-acre red soil property, hosting a highly varied tropical fruit orchard, Zoe and Josh made the move to Bundaberg. Joining the extensive (and delicious) list of drink makers, brewers and crafters, the couple opened Queensland's first and only dedicated Cider House.
(Credit: Paul Beutel)
Fruit winemaking must adapt to each fruit as well as to each crop. With mangoes, for example, Zoe and Josh hand peel each mango first as the skin leaves a bitter "green" taste if you leave it on. Pineapples are hand cut before being crushed, following which the fresh juice is adjusted based on the nature of that year's crop to ensure the correct acid and pH balance for a clean fermentation. After the fermentation is finished, the wines are aged, filtered and bottled, the same as a grape wine.
This cider house with a difference today boasts a hand-crafted, small batch range that has expanded to include Queensland apple cider, fruit wines and quirky liqueurs and is a must-do in any visitor's itinerary.
Where Can I Buy/Try Ohana Winery Drinks?
Find the whole range at their Cider House at 5 Alexandra Street, Bundaberg East or online.
Their ciders are also available all over the Bundaberg region including Riverfeast, Indulge, The Spotted Dog Tavern, East End Hotel Bottleshop and The Club Hotel.