I posted recently about my natural mother and her struggle with dementia. I mentioned in that post that I was privileged to have wonderful adoptive parents; however, in that post, I did not mention my grandparents, who on my father’s side were truly the kindest and most generous people you could ever wish to meet. As grandparents ourselves, their example is one we can only hope to match as to surpass them would be impossible.

My grandfather, who to this day remains the person I most admire,  was a World War 1 veteran, who took the opportunity to be part of the soldier settler scheme in the Riverland of South Australia. It was a vexed scheme with stories of true hardship and few of success. I am pleased to say my grandfather’s was one of moderate success. In part, I am sure, his pre-war education at Wagga Agricultural School was the major reason for this.

The land he received under the scheme was in Berri, South Australia. It was irrigated with water from the River Murray, and they grew sultana grapes. It is no longer in our family, as my father chose not to be involved with the business. As a child, I visited the land. At the time, it meant nothing, but today, it is a cherished memory.

Stories of the time relayed to me by my parents and grandparents were generally positive. Stories of regular horse race meetings, Dad’s school days and great friendships outweighed the farming challenges they faced.

I marvel at my grandmother, who came from a relatively well-off family in Adelaide, who gave it all up when she married Grandpa to work on a fruit block.  She gave up tennis parties and sunny days in Adelaide for the harsh conditions on the block, where she genuinely rolled her sleeves up and got into it. Stories of her and, later, my mother cutting fruit in the extreme heat of Summer are a testament not just to my grandmother but also to my mother. Gran and my Dad ran the property when Grandpa enlisted for the Second World War, and then it was mostly up to Gran as my Dad finished his schooling in Adelaide and then joined the Navy. It must have been hard. The stories are a tribute to her, and the relationship she and Grandpa had for their whole married life. My favourite person’s engagement ring is the one my grandfather gave Gran. It is cherished by both my favourite person and I to this day.

So it was with much gratitude that I recently opened a bottle of Soldiers’ Land Shiraz from Riverland Winery, Ricca Terra. It’s a celebration of this era of our history.

It’s a nice drop. The 2021 vintage, which I drank, was reviewed by Winefront and given a good score. I’d echo the review’s sentiments about the wine’s quality, but for me, it’s the emotion attached to drinking the wine that makes it truly special.

Thanks to Ricca Terra and its owners, Ashley and Holly Ratcliffe, for making this wine. There are other wines in the Soldier Settler range, but this one is my favourite. If you haven’t tried it, give it a go, and as you do, raise the glass and toast our World War One veterans and those who followed.

The Berri Barmera Council has a page dedicated to soldier settlers – link.