I am please to announce that twelve full time jobs will be created following the redevelopment of the iconic Watervale Hotel – which is being backed by a $200,000 State Government grant.

The Regional Development Fund (RDF) grant will support the $800,000 project to help the hotel retain its country charm and historic front bar, while creating a new premium food and wine experience for tourists.

The redevelopment will include the creation of a walk-in wine cellar, bottle shop and provedore, outdoor wine garden and restaurant, wine education centre, and a new catering kitchen with capacity to train apprentice chefs.

On completion, the centre will create 12 full-time equivalent jobs, along with eight during construction.

From February 2018, the Watervale Hotel will be owned by Warrick Duthy, managing director of Kilikanoon Wines and chair of the Clare Valley Alliance; and Nicola Palmer, head chef and restaurant manager of Skillogalee Winery Restaurant, and chair of Clare Valley Cuisine.

The redevelopment of the Watervale Hotel and Training Centre promises to create many benefits for the Clare Valley, apprenticeships in particular. It will provide an ideal training ground in regional South Australia for young chefs to shape their careers.

Watervale Hotel owner Mr Warrick Duthy  says, “ We will make riesling the hero as an ingredient in food and food to accompany this noble variety.   Given how close we are to the Riesling Trail, we will offer a stop-over for cyclists riding between Clare and Auburn.

We won’t change too much in the historic front bar because we believe it’s very important for locals to retain their favourite watering hole with local beers on tap to enjoy.

However, we will open up the outdoor area to the rear of the hotel with a new restaurant and wine garden, as well as serve meals and drinks on the front verandah.

When we launch, the venue will be ‘Asia ready’ to welcome groups of Chinese, Japanese, Malay and Korean wine enthusiasts to our beautiful, unique part of South Australia.”