Erl Happ
Erl is the inspiration behind it all. He is the innovator, the producer; the hands on 'do it yourself' bloke with a natural creative instinct. Erl designed and made the first crusher we used which ran on tracks over several open fermenters. He designed and built the winery himself from mud brick, concrete form and timber. At that stage, his youngest son, Jeremy, was three and would build 'little wineries' in the sand around the building site, using concrete reinforcing and mixing the clay to make 'good bricks'. Erl likes to lead from the front. Today he likes nothing better than to find the time to go to the Karridale Vineyard and work alongside Lyn and Phil out amongst the vines. The Karridale Vineyard is a 'research and development' project where Erl is trialling many new vine varieties and a whole new system of trellising.
For many years, Erl was also the only man in the winery. He reads every technical publication cover to cover and likes nothing better than a tricky bit of research to solve a problem. We now have winemaking assistance, but Erl is still vitally involved in product development. His aim is to find the vine varieties best suited to site and grow them in such a way as to maximize fruit flavour. He has travelled to most viticulture areas of the world, looking at varieties and wine styles. In a nutshell, his passion is to make great wines. And his favourite relaxation... sitting on the beach at Smiths, after a good surf, with the family, a good wine and one of Ros's delicious casseroles, watching the sun go down.
Jacqueline and Myles Happ
Jacquie is married to Erl's eldest son, Myles. With a marketing degree behind her, she helped Myles establish a market for Happs wines in Sydney. When the third child was on the way, they made a life style decision to come back to Dunsborough where Myles found that the pottery business needed an injection of energy. Pottery was Myles's first love when he left school and the urge to create has once again taken over. It was soon realized that, even with three children, Jacquie had much to contribute to the marketing of Happs wines. With Happs moving into a new phase of expansion, Jacquie's work is proving vital. Jacquie has enormous tenacity and patience for which we are forever grateful. Perhaps this stems from her own family background.
Her mother, Jane, came from mainland China with very little English and worked in a nursing home so that she could learn how to make beds and do things like they do in Australia. She eventually met Jim, Jacquie's Liverpuddlian father who was a boilermaker. Together they raised five beautiful children, ran a Chinese takeaway and English fish and chip shop, before investing in a large guesthouse. Jane is one of Erl's favourite ladies. Aren't we lucky? Jane promoted our wines in Singapore at Australia Fair. She is a great ambassador as she speaks beautiful Mandarin and Cantonese. We have not had the time to follow up the leads she made for us, but if there were anyone in Singapore who wishes to import our wines, Jane would be delighted to be involved in promotion to the Chinese market. And of course, Jacquie will jump at the opportunity if I baby sit the children!
Liz Jennings
Liz is Erl's sister. She was a people nurse before she became a vine nurse. She has not lost the art of giving cheek which is why our trainees turn out so well! Liz is one of those highly responsible people that holds an organization together. She's the one who looks after the all important details. She never forgets anyone's birthday. And she can even keep her cool when bringing down a crate of 1,000 bottles from the fourth level.
Roslyn Happ
I'm writing this, so what can I say? I'm the wife of Erl. When I married him, I think I knew that I was marrying a challenge. A man with that much drive, passion and energy can be a lot of fun, and a fair bit of frustration. I've learnt to become very philosophical and I write a lot, which helps me to look at all sides and aspects of the issues we have to deal with. So.... I don't train vines, or label bottles, and only work in the cellar when they need me... but I do a lot of thinking.
Two of our children have also taken to the philosophical life style. Both are highly creative, musical and artistic. They both see themselves as having some role in helping mankind to change some of the parameters that they live by in order to be more peaceful in themselves and more aware of their environment.
I am proud to say that I have met many young people with these aspirations and I hope that they never lose their ideals. I also teach piano and am presently organizing a community singing workshop. I love to photograph moments that inspire me, and am being increasingly drawn towards the need to paint. When you see me about the place, I'm usually in filthy gardening clothes. Our mudbrick house and business is built around a beautiful little courtyard with a delightful cottage garden that we hope you will come and enjoy some time.
Eunice Happ
Eunice is Erl's mother. She is the most patient and giving person I have ever met. At 81, she comes out here twice a week with her daughter, Liz, who always arrives at work at 6.30. She waters the pot plants, sweeps the verandahs and the pottery show rooms, dusts the pots and does the flowers. Now I know where Erl gets his stamina. Eunice is also a very fine quilter and gardener.
