Off-grid Aussie winery thrives under China trade bans and global COVID-19 pandemic

Lucky for Robe’s Tom O’Reilly, there was a “dire need” for brewers when he finished his Bachelor of Science seven years ago.

It may seem like an unexpected career choice for a plant and soil science major with an interest in human biology and agroecology.

“[With beer making], you’re basically trying to hit a whole range of different numbers, temperature, timing, pH levels and sugar concentrations,” Mr O’Reilly said.

To do all of that by hand, he said, took a lot of time and skill.

“It’s pretty amazing that 95 per cent of the beer in Australia is made by computer programs,” Mr O’Reilly said.