If you’ve noticed a fresh spark in our Instagram reels lately, or found yourself scrolling through a newsletter or Facebook post, you’ve already met the newest vital member of the Shiraz Republic team. Today, we’re officially pulling back the curtain to introduce you to Sarah DeBorre.
Sarah has stepped into a truly multi-faceted role, weaving herself into the very fabric of our daily operations. From the front-of-house atmosphere to the digital world on your smartphone screen, Sarah is the driving force making sure things run smoothly and look great while doing it.
Sarah isn't just a new face; she brings a serious powerhouse of experience to the farm. With over 20 years of involvement in the Victorian music community, she has a deep-rooted passion for regional culture. Before joining us, Sarah was a Project Manager for Music Victoria, where she spearheaded programs like Live Music Professionals and Cultivate, focusing on empowering women in music and strengthening Victorian venues and festivals.
Since moving to our neck of the woods in early 2020, Sarah initially began by programming our live music. We quickly realised her knack for storytelling and organisation was exactly what we needed across the whole business. After a stint with City of Greater Bendigo where she worked in both events and tourism, Sarah now balances her love for music and regional tourism with the hustle of managing our cellar door, marketing, and events.
Perhaps the most visible part of Sarah’s role is her work on our social media. If you’ve been enjoying our recent Facebook and Instagram posts, or found yourself laughing at a behind-the-scenes Reel, you’re hearing Sarah’s creative voice. She is the one ensuring our community stays connected to what’s happening on the farm—from the quiet of the vines to the high energy of the canning line.
1. What’s your favorite part about managing the Shiraz Republic Cellar Door? "I love the variety. One minute I’m talking a guest through the nuances of our latest Shiraz, and the next I’m coordinating a live band or setting up for a weekend event. It’s never boring! But honestly, the best part is managing our incredible team of cellar door staff. They are the ones who truly bring it all together and make the atmosphere what it is—I couldn't do it without their energy and hard work."
2. You’re the voice behind our social media—what do you love most about filming and editing our Reels? "I think people love seeing the 'real' side of what we do—whether it’s the high-speed chaos of a harvest or a quiet, misty morning in the vineyard. But for me, the real joy is in the creative editing process. It actually takes me right back to my days at PBS 106.7FM, where I’d spend hours editing .wav files and interviews with bands for my radio program. There’s something so satisfying about finding the right rhythm and piecing a story together; it’s a nostalgic bit of technical play that lets me share our world in a really fun, punchy way."
3. With your background in the music industry, what makes a live gig at the Republic so special? "It’s all about the setting. We're right in the heart of Central Victoria, where our own vineyards are nestled among this stunning, vast farmland. Depending on the season, you’re looking out past the vines to endless gold and green fields of canola, wheat, and barley. The venue itself has so much rustic character; it feels lived-in and authentic. When you pair the lines of the vineyard and that wide-open landscape with a great glass of wine or pint of beer, it becomes the ultimate backdrop for live music, particularly Americana. There’s a soulful connection between that style of music and the red dirt of the farm that you just can't replicate in the city."
4. If you had to pick one wine to take home this weekend, which would it be? "That’s a tough one! But given our recent 'limited supply' news, I’d have to say the 2021 Democracy! Tempranillo. It’s a classic that I’ll definitely miss once it's gone."
5. What’s the biggest challenge of wearing so many hats (Marketing, Events, Socials)? "Switching gears! Going from 'creative mode' for a newsletter to 'event mode' for a busy Saturday afternoon takes some mental gymnastics, but it keeps me on my toes."
Next time you're at the cellar door, make sure to say hi to Sarah—though you'll likely see her with a phone in one hand and a tasting glass in the other!
Have an event idea or you're a musician looking for a gig? You can reach out to Sarah directly via our social media channels or info email or catch her at the bar most Fridays and Saturdays.
