COVID inspired Elizabeth Hollingsworth of Brighton House Décor to find a way to shine the light on the Aussie wine industry regions. “I launched my first business in April 2015 to hire, buy and source Instagrammable décor for the events business. Then COVID-19 hit and there were no more events.”
“I launched a homeware décor business, instead to try and keep afloat. On the few outings we had, we would head to the Yarra Valley and Mornington Peninsula for some wine,” Elizabeth said.
“We realised sales weren’t just down in the events business, they were way down in the wine business too. Many winery owners were pressing us to buy souvenirs to help them stay afloat.”
With a little thought, Elizabeth realised they could easily be customised to the wine business. “The tea towels I came up with are beautifully designed to feature watercolour-illustrated maps of the wine region. They feature around 15 vineyards (all ranked at least four stars by James Halliday Wine Companion) with their doors open to the public, as well as 15 accommodation properties for varying tastes and budgets and 15 awesome local attractions,” Elizabeth said.
The Palatable Tea Towels range covers Adelaide Hills, Barossa Valley, Hunter Valley, Margaret River, Mornington Peninsula, Mudgee and Yarra Valley, with five further regions including the Canberra District, Clare Valley, Geelong & The Bellarine Peninsula, McLaren Vale and Tamar Valley launched in July 2023, and local Ballarat artist all illustrates them, Caroline Keys.
They’re perfect for the wineries to boost their margins, gift hamper companies that want to accompany wine with something extra, corporate event planners working in the region, and, of course, the attractions and accommodations featured on the maps.
“I’ve found they’re appealing to many tourists, from those looking for lightweight souvenirs (because they’re taking a lot of wine with them or have weight restrictions on their flights), to couples tying the knot and looking to give themed keepsakes of their big day, and, of course, for people like me who love tea towels,” Elizabeth said.
The tea towels can be purchased wholesale from Palatable Tea Towels on their website, and they’re also available for bulk purchase with branded custom logo and messages on belly bands for corporate events or wedding gifts. If you’re looking for an individual tea towel, they can be found at the wineries, accommodation and attractions in person, as well as online at the Brighton House Décor site if you’re seeking an inexpensive birthday, Christmas or housewarming gift for a wine-loving friend (and you don’t know their favourite variety or vintage) or you’d like to order one once you get back home.
“They may not be the first thing you think of when you think of wine, but cleaning up after a glass of wine or two is part of the drinking process,” Elizabeth said. “And that means it’s a great chance to remind yourself of the places that make amazing Australian wines, and in a pleasant and meaningful way that doesn’t create clutter in your life.”
About us:
https://palatableteatowels.com.au/
