Chapter 29 : Winery

July 1, 1900, on the outskirts of Sydney

The meeting the previous day had left Arthur with a clear sense of urgency. Despite his efforts, Australia was falling behind in every aspect. Although he had drawn up detailed plans with ministers from various departments and mobilized up to 30 million pounds in funds, tangible results would take at least a year to materialize. Military and economic modernization was progressing with difficulty, and the shadow of conflicts in Europe made time an increasingly scarce resource.

However, there was a glimmer of hope. After the cabinet meeting, Arthur would have some free time. Though he was still busy, compared to previous days, the respite was noticeable. What he didn't expect was that, on his first day off, his butler Hunter would invite him to the outskirts of Sydney, claiming that Arthur's private winery was nearing completion.

Since Roger Joseph Ebert, who had previously managed Arthur's assets alongside Butler Hunter, had taken up the position of Treasurer of Australia, the management of Arthur's private properties had fallen entirely on Butler Hunter. It was no easy task. Arthur's private assets included two steel mills, an ammunition factory, a shipyard, as well as 132 million pounds in cash and 150 million pounds in loans to the government, largely intended to bolster the war industry.

After transferring the administration of these assets to Hunter, Arthur had practically stopped intervening directly in them. He trusted his butler, but the fate of his nation depended heavily on the success of these investments.

European aristocrats had a particular fondness for red wine. For the nobility, wine was not just a luxury but a symbol of power and tradition. In Europe, those who didn't own a castle might not be considered low-ranking nobles, but those without a private winery were seen as impoverished or unworthy of their lineage.

Duke Arthur had also owned his own winery in the UK, but he sold it to fund his project in Australia. Butler Hunter had already chosen a site for the new winery, and while Arthur was immersed in state affairs, construction had progressed significantly. All that remained was for Arthur to visit it, give it a name, and officially put it into production.

When it became known that Arthur would travel to the outskirts of Sydney, Margaret and Patricia insisted on accompanying him. He had no choice but to agree, but on the condition that Princess Louise join them. With the unpredictable personalities of Margaret and Patricia, someone was needed to keep them in check.

What began as a trip for Arthur turned into a caravan of the Australian royal family. Alongside them traveled numerous servants and guards, forming a convoy of hundreds of people.

When the entourage arrived at the winery, it was already midday. Butler Hunter stood at the entrance, firm and attentive, with the discipline of a wartime officer.

"Butler Hunter, what has happened?" Arthur asked, slowly stepping down from the carriage with a calculated smile.

"Everything is in order, Your Highness. We were only waiting for you, Your Highness the Princess, and the two young Princes," replied Butler Hunter with an impeccable salute, worthy of European nobility.

When Princess Louise and her two sisters stepped down from the carriage, Arthur gave a slight smile and said, "Let's see how the winery has turned out."

Though it was called a winery, it was actually a combination of a vineyard and a production center. In a sparsely populated Australia, the estate covered an impressive three square kilometers, about 300 hectares, equivalent to 4,500 acres.

"Butler Hunter, where did you find so many vines for an estate of this size?" Arthur asked curiously.

Following the traditional vine trellis system, around 140 vines could be planted per acre. This allowed for proper sun exposure without wasting land. But even reserving space for wine production and fermentation, the winery required at least 600,000 vines. A colossal amount, difficult to find in a single location in Australia.

"Your Highness, I have been storing vine seeds since before you sold your winery in the UK. Currently, we have nearly 500,000 seeds planted and have acquired 10,000 mature vines, 50,000 grape seedlings, and tens of thousands of fruit trees in Australia. While the seeds grow, the winery can produce around 130,000 liters of wine annually," explained Butler Hunter with a confident smile.

Arthur was surprised. He hadn't expected Butler Hunter to have started planning the winery since his time in the UK. His foresight was impressive.

"Butler Hunter, will our production be sufficient? If it's too large, we won't be able to sell it. At least in the coming years, our wine won't be able to compete with French reds," Arthur commented, analyzing the situation.

The most prestigious red wines in Europe came from France, favored by the climate and winemaking tradition. Without access to the European market, producing large quantities would only result in losses.

"Your Highness, the annual costs of the winery do not exceed 100,000 pounds, a manageable figure. Although we cannot compete with French wines immediately, we can consolidate the Australian market. With the arrival of European immigrants, the demand for red wine will grow. Moreover, if the European market is affected by fluctuations, we can enter it with an advantage. We can develop two brands: one luxury for Europe and another more accessible for the Australian market," explained Butler Hunter with military precision.

Red wine didn't improve with immediacy; on the contrary, aging made it more refined and valuable. What cost a few pounds today would be worth several times more in ten years.

Arthur nodded. Butler Hunter was not only an excellent administrator but also a strategist with long-term vision. This winery was not just a status symbol but another piece on the chessboard of power. And in the times ahead, every piece counted.

The visit continued with a tour of the facilities. Arthur paid close attention to the construction details, from the oak barrels to the fermentation areas. Every aspect of the winery reflected Butler Hunter's meticulousness and dedication. It wasn't just an investment but a statement of intent. Australia, under Arthur's leadership, was not only preparing for war but also seeking to establish its place in the world as a nation capable of competing on all fronts.

As they walked, Arthur reflected on the future. The winery was a symbol of what Australia could become: a prosperous nation with a diversified economy and a culture that rivaled the great European powers. But it was also a reminder of the challenges they faced. The shadow of war in Europe was growing longer, and Arthur knew that, sooner or later, Australia would have to take a side.

At the end of the tour, Arthur stopped at the main entrance of the winery. "Butler Hunter, this winery will be a legacy for future generations. A symbol of what Australia can achieve when united under a common purpose," he said solemnly.

Butler Hunter nodded, understanding the weight of Arthur's words. "It will be, Your Highness. And I am certain that, when the time comes, this winery will be more than a symbol. It will be a tool to secure the future of our nation."

Arthur smiled, satisfied. He knew that with men like Butler Hunter by his side, Australia was in good hands. And as the sun set on the horizon, illuminating the newly planted vineyards, Arthur felt a brief moment of peace. He knew the challenges they faced were immense, but he also knew they were prepared to face them.

. . . 

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