From Fruit Farm Roots to Industry-Defying Winery
Alicia Hardman grew up on a fruit farm just down the ridge from Shale Ridge Winery and always dreamed of tying her roots to a place of her own, where craft and hospitality meet. Years later, she left a full-time job and went all-in on that vision. It wasn’t a retirement project. It was an underdog leap, capital-heavy, complex, and humbling.
Alicia says starting from the bottom meant ups and downs, tough lessons, and a lot of perseverance. But when heart and vision stay aligned, you find your way. Every bottle, every table we set, and every smile at the door is a thank-you to the people who believed with us, and to you for being part of it.
Alicia didn’t arrive with all the answers. She learned fast, sought out seasoned growers and makers, invested in the right equipment, and kept listening, to the land and to the guests. The result is a Shale Ridge Winery, Cidery and Spa. A place that feels personal: with swings, sunshine, seasonal plates, and glasses that tell the story of where they came from.
From the beginning, Alicia carried with her a deep respect for the rhythm of the land—an instinct shaped by early mornings in the orchard and long afternoons watching the seasons shift across the ridge. That upbringing taught her that good things grow slowly, with intention, and only when nurtured with patience. It’s a philosophy she wove into every decision, from the varieties planted to the way guests are welcomed through the gates. She wanted Shale Ridge to feel like the kind of place where people could breathe a little deeper, settle into the moment, and reconnect with something real.
As the dream took shape, the landscape itself became a silent partner in the journey. Rolling rows of vines and fruit trees framed the horizon, while the textured shale of the ridge—once a familiar backdrop from her childhood—began to inspire the identity of the winery. Its layered, resilient character mirrored her own path: strong, weathered, and quietly beautiful. Alicia often says that the land tells its story to anyone willing to listen, and she built spaces that invite guests to do exactly that—spaces meant for lingering, laughing, and letting the outside world slow down for a while.
Guests who visit today often describe the experience as warm, effortless, and immersive. The swings overlooking the vineyard aren’t just a novelty; they embody the playful spirit Alicia wanted to preserve, a reminder that joy and craftsmanship can coexist. Seasonal plates arrive at the table with colours that echo the nearby orchards and gardens, creating a seamless link between what’s poured, what’s plated, and what’s grown just steps away. And every glass—whether wine or cider—carries a sense of place shaped by years of dedication, risk, and unwavering belief.
In many ways, Shale Ridge stands as both a tribute to her roots and a celebration of what can happen when someone chooses not only to dream, but to follow that dream into the unknown with courage and heart.
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