Sharon Brown has returned to the wine industry after a two-decade absence. Photo: Oliver Jacques.
When clothing chain Autograph Griffith collapsed in 2024, staff were left wondering what came next.
For Sharon Brown, in her 50s, the uncertainty was real, but so was her belief that something better could follow.
“Life takes all sorts of turns and it doesn’t always end in disaster – it can sometimes open things up,” she said.
In the months that followed, Ms Brown became a voice for workers left out of pocket by a string of retail closures, helping push for unpaid entitlements to be addressed. She appeared on SBS TV as part of a campaign that ultimately saw the Albanese Government step in to compensate those made redundant.
Meanwhile, her longstanding reputation in Griffith for exceptional customer service opened a new door, back into an industry she knew well.
“Berton Vineyards rang me up and asked me to do three days a week here as a sales assistant. It wasn’t long before I became the cellar door manager,” she said.
Over the past year, she’s become a standout at the Yenda winery, winning over customers with her warmth — often quite literally, with a hug. It marks a full-circle return to the wine industry, where she worked decades earlier.
Region caught up with her to talk about her journey.
What was your first job in Griffith?
I was a checkout chick at Rossies supermarket. The girls I worked with back then are still my good friends now.
After that?
I worked at Bartter’s chicken farm in the egg processing plant, then at Cranswick Estate winery for 10 years in the lab. They didn’t have a cellar door, so we had to run down and cover that. After that, I was at Autograph for 15 years.
Liz Purtell and Sharon Brown outside a Miller’s store that closed in 2024. The pair fought for all women who lost their jobs to ensure they got their entitlements. Photo: Oliver Jacques.
What’s your favourite part of your job at Berton’s?
The customers. I want them to leave feeling like they’ve had a really good cellar door experience — that’s very rewarding.
Customer service is the most important thing. You can memorise your tasting lists, but people appreciate the one-on-one touch.
I’ve never had so many hugs, so I must be doing something right.
What are your favourite drops?
Berton Alfresco Fiano for whites, and the Metal Gold Shiraz for reds, at the moment anyway.
What would be your death row meal and wine pairing?
An assortment of Thai dishes paired with a Berton Reserve Chardonnay — it goes well with anything spicy.
When you’re not at the winery?
My husband Steve had a car collection, and it grew into the Expatriates Auto Club.
What’s your favourite vintage car?
A Holden Torana – it’s a family heirloom.
The best thing about Griffith?
The diversity and richness of the culture. My sons realised how good Griffith was when they moved to Wagga and saw how much better it is here.
Tell us about your family
I have twin sons — Jacob is a police officer and Daniel is a firefighter as well as a vineyard farmer. My daughter Jess is a dental assistant.
What advice would you give to a young person starting their career?
Go with your heart. If a job or opportunity comes up, go for it. There’s a lot of doom and gloom about but these days there’s more opportunity than ever to achieve your goals.
Berton Vineyards at 55 Mirrool Ave, Yenda, is open 10 am to 4 pm weekdays and 11 am to 4 pm on Saturday. Keep up with them via their website, Facebook page and Instagram.
