Moppity Wines Champions Emerging Cool Climate Coppabella Wines in Tumbaramba

If you love cool climate wines from Tasmania, Mornington Peninsula (Victoria) or the Great Southern (WA), then it might be time to try wines from the Hilltops region in NSW and Tumbaramba, on the outskirts of the Snowy Mountains.

A great place to start is meet Jason & Alecia Brown, owners of both Moppity Vineyards in the cool climate region of Hilltops in Southern NSW and Coppabella Vineyard in Tumbaramba…. the only, James Halliday, five star rated winery in Tumbarumba!

They have a lot to smile about! Moppity Vineyards has been crowned “Most Successful Exhibitor” for the eighth time in ten years (a record for the show), collecting a total of five trophies, 6 gold medals and 16 other awards at the 2023 Canberra and Region Wine Show.

So where is Tumbaramba?  About 250 kilometres south of Canberra.  The short history of the region is that Ian Cowell, senior wine maker at Lindeman’s, was tasked with finding a region on mainland Australia that could produce premium grapes for Sparkling wine production. He searched for terrain that shared climatic similarities with France’s Champagne region. In 1993, Cowell established a vineyard in Tumbarumba. Who knew!

Tumbarumba is not an easy place to grow grapes. Winter is bitterly cold, Spring is punctuated by severe frosts, the hills are frightenly steep and it is remote, really remote! As Jason points out “Ultra-premium viticulture here is laborious and extremely expensive, however, the most magnificent achievements often begin with the greatest challenges.” Yet there’s a magic to this wine district! Even the wallabies even pose for a picture, its that kind of a place.

Moppity Wines, Hilltops Region in NSW
While many wine lovers know Canberra and Murrumbateman wine districts, the Hilltops Region is closeby and home to Moppity Vineyard. Moppity’s altitude is 600m (in Australia, less than 1% of the viticultural land is at an altitude of 600m or more) and similar to Coté Rôtie in Northern Rhone.

Moppity’s Reserve Shiraz won the “Wine Of Provenance” trophy at the 2023 Canberra and Region Wine Show where judges assessed three vintages of a single wine spanning at least 10 years. Moppity entered their Reserve Shiraz from 2022, 2015 and 2009. So the wine from these regions is award wining and the region has a bright future. It’s time for you to visit these emerging cool climate regions.

Read more about Moppity Wines.

The Father of Non Alcholic Wines from Triple Creek

It’s not commonly known that a Barossa Valley winemaker called Kevin Pfeiffer OAM pioneered the process over two decades ago and who became one of the first exporters of non-alcoholic wine in the early 2000’s. Today, his son Dorham from Triple Creek Winery makes ‘B1654’ which was was born from the combined efforts of Dorham and his late father.

Nestled in the Western side of the Barossa, in the scenic town of Seppeltsfield is Triple Creek, a vineyard with rustic elegance, surrounded by the beauty of three natural creeks that meet at the property.

The B1654 range is a tribute to Kevin and three wines have been recognised with gold, silver and bronze medals for the 2023 Wine Showcase magazine awards:

• B1654 Shiraz won Gold
• B1654 Sparkling won Silver B1654 Chardonnay won Bronze.

Sit back and learn more about the trends in non alcohol wines:

Triple Creek – Perfect Event Location
Triple Creek is the perfect location for hosting a range of public events, a calendar of monthly events will be published soon. Check out Instagram and Facebook to keep up to date so you don’t miss one of the fantastic events that will show case local / national and international artists.

 

Looking for luxury accommodation in Seppeltsfield?
Located on the eastern side of the property, overlooking the vineyards sits an amazing self-catered Guest House at Triple Creek Winery. Luxurious with an authentic country feeling, this is the perfect spot for your next group gathering, family getaway or corporate trip away.

The Guest house comfortably sleeps eight featuring four bedrooms, two bathrooms and two living areas plus an outdoor entertaining area featuring a wood-fired pizza oven and firepi. It’s an entertainer’s delight.

Glamping in Barossa Valley
For those who really want to immerse themselves into the great outdoors, sleep under the stars in our Glamping Tents are for you. Wake up to the sound of nature and roam amongst the vines.

Featuring a 5-metre tent, a queen size bed, cosy throw blankets and indoor and outdoor seating these Glamping Tents are perfect to marvel the pristine aesthetics of the vineyard. Sit back by your very own firepit and enjoy the sunset with a glass of wine, while camping in style.

Mac Forbes – Single Vineyard Cool Climate Pinot Noir

Mac Forbes Wines in the Yarra Valley of Victoria, Australia, is well-regarded for producing exceptional Pinot Noir wines.

Mac Forbes is known for his emphasis on showcasing the distinct characteristics of individual vineyard sites. They believe that the terroir of each vineyard contributes unique qualities to the wines produced. By focusing on single vineyard expressions, Mac Forbes aims to capture the essence of each site, including the specific soil types, microclimates, and vine age, resulting in wines that reflect the vineyard’s terroir.

Every 1st Saturday of the month, Mac Forbes open the doors of the winery and run three small tours & tasting sessions between 11:30am & 4pm at 770 Healesville Koo Wee Rup Road Healesville. Occasionally they throw BBQs and in the peak of harvest, you’re invited to taste fruit coming in, ferments, and pressed grapes straight from the press.

The Yarra Valley is recognised as a cool climate wine region, and this is particularly favorable for growing high-quality Pinot Noir grapes. Cool climates help the grapes ripen slowly, leading to increased flavor development, complexity, and the retention of natural acidity. Mac Forbes leverages the Yarra Valley’s cool climate advantage to produce expressive and elegant Pinot Noir wines. Here’s a picture of Mac and his dog 🙂

Mac Forbes Wines follows sustainable vineyard practices, including organic and biodynamic principles, to ensure the health of the vineyards and the surrounding environment. They strive for minimal intervention winemaking, allowing the grapes to speak for themselves. This approach allows the true character and purity of the Pinot Noir grapes to shine through in their wines.

Mac Forbes and his team pay meticulous attention to every aspect of winemaking, from vineyard management to the selection of barrels for aging. They focus on quality control and aim to craft wines that exhibit finesse, balance, and complexity. This attention to detail contributes to the high standard and consistency of their Pinot Noir wines.

Mac is known for his exploration and experimentation with different Pinot Noir clones and winemaking techniques. By working with diverse clones and employing various methods, such as whole bunch fermentation or different oak regimes, they are able to create a range of Pinot Noir styles, each offering its own unique expression and character.

It’s important to note that personal taste preferences can vary when it comes to wine. While Mac Forbes Wines is highly regarded for their Pinot Noir, individual preferences and palates may differ. If you enjoy elegant, cool climate Pinot Noir wines that reflect the terroir of the Yarra Valley, Mac Forbes Wines is definitely worth exploring.

O’Leary Walker – the epicenter of Clare Valley’s wine events and festivals

O’Leary Walker Winery is a highly regarded winery located in the beautiful Clare Valley region of South Australia. It is recognized as a James Halliday Five Red Star Winery.

 

O’Leary Walker is known for producing exceptional wines that showcase the unique characteristics of the Clare Valley. They specialize in cool-climate varieties such as Riesling, Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Chardonnay. Their wines consistently receive high ratings and accolades from wine critics, making it a must-visit destination for wine enthusiasts.

The winery is situated in a picturesque location surrounded by rolling hills, lush vineyards, and stunning landscapes. The Clare Valley region itself is renowned for its natural beauty, making it a delightful place to visit for its scenic charm.

 

 

The restaurant, located at our contemporary Clare Valley venue, offers an elevated menu which reflects the seasonality of ingredients from across our fruitful state. The winery offers lunch with full table service from Thursday to Sunday to suit everyone from couples to large groups. Led by head chef BJ, our restaurant was recognised as one of South Australia’s top 50 regional restaurants by delicious by The Advertiser Newspaper.

 

The winery was established by two experienced winemakers, David O’Leary and Nick Walker, who bring decades of expertise to their craft. Their dedication to producing wines of the highest quality is evident in the meticulous attention to detail throughout the winemaking process. Jack Walker, (Nick’s son) is the O’Leary Walker head winemaker who is a fourth gen winemaker.

David and Nick’s goal remains unchanged: they simply want, to make great wines with character and balance, with the ultimate reward of cellaring and improving with age. O’Leary Walker celebrated their 22nd year in 2022 and with an established reputation for producing award-winning regional wines which combine uncompromising quality with personality.

 

O’Leary Walker offers a range of tasting experiences to cater to different preferences. Whether you prefer a casual tasting at the cellar door or a more immersive experience such as a private tasting or a winery tour, there are options available to suit your preferences.

Throughout the year, O’Leary Walker participates in various wine events and festivals in the Clare Valley. These events offer an opportunity to not only taste their wines but also engage with the winemakers, learn more about the winemaking process, and experience the local wine culture.

Discover Barossa Valley’s Ancient Vines at Teusner Winery

Nestled in the heart of the picturesque Barossa Valley, Teusner Winery stands as a true testament to the rich winemaking heritage of South Australia. With its idyllic location in Nuriootpa, South Australia, this boutique winery offers a unique experience for wine enthusiasts and travelers alike.

It was the ancient vines which ignited Kym’s passion to create Teusner Winery. They are not simply old in Barossa terms, these are some of the oldest vines in the world. They are a living history. Established on their own rootsocks, mostly dry grown, these old vines combined with Kym’s contemporary and gentle approach in the winery is at the core of the winemaking philosophy at Teusner.

At Teusner Winery, passion and dedication are poured into every bottle of wine. The winemakers, Kym Teusner and Mick Page, have mastered the art of producing handcrafted wines that showcase the region’s distinctive terroir.

From bold and robust Shiraz to elegant Grenache and complex blends, Teusner Winery offers a diverse range of exceptional wines that cater to all palates.

Their very first wine, and like Mick’s first son, is called Joshua. Typically a blend of about 2/3rds old vine Grenache, a chunk of Mataro and a splash of Shiraz, they keep our Josh’ away from oak and release it young to showcase the kind of juicy, spicy, flavorsome wines you can do so well in the Barossa by blending heritage varieties from old vines. Listen to Kym talk about this wine…

Situated among rolling hills and vineyards, Teusner Winery boasts a picturesque setting that reflects the natural beauty of the Barossa Valley. Take a leisurely stroll through the vines, breathe in the fresh country air, and soak in the serene atmosphere.  It’s the perfect place to unwind and enjoy the beauty of the Australian wine country.

One of the hallmarks of Teusner Winery is its warm and inviting atmosphere. The staff’s genuine hospitality and passion for their craft create a welcoming environment that makes you feel right at home.

Whether you’re a seasoned wine enthusiast or a first-time visitor, you’ll be greeted with a smile and treated like part of the Teusner family. Their friendly and approachable nature ensures that your visit is enjoyable and leaves a lasting impression.

For those seeking an unforgettable wine-tasting experience, Teusner Winery in the Barossa Valley is a destination not to be missed. From its handcrafted wines that embody the essence of the Barossa Valley to its breathtaking vineyard views and warm hospitality, this boutique winery offers an authentic taste of the region’s winemaking heritage.

Whether you’re a wine lover, an adventurer, or simply looking for a serene escape, Teusner Winery promises a memorable journey through the world of fine wines.

 

Petersons House: Hunter Valley’s Premium Sparkling Wines

Petersons House Wines in the Hunter Valley is known for producing exceptional wines.

The Hunter Valley region in New South Wales, Australia, is renowned for its unique terroir, which includes fertile soils, a temperate climate, and excellent sun exposure. These factors, combined with the region’s rich viticultural history, create an ideal environment for growing grapes of exceptional quality.

Petersons House takes advantage of this favorable terroir to cultivate grapes that form the foundation of their outstanding wines.

Petersons House carefully selects their vineyard sites within the Hunter Valley to ensure they have access to the best fruit. The winery focuses on sourcing grapes from vineyards with ideal microclimates, soil types, and vine age to achieve the desired flavor profiles and grape quality. This meticulous vineyard selection contributes to the excellence of their wines.

Restaurant Cuveé is one of the best restaurants in the Hunter Valley. Open for breakfast and lunch seven days a week, we have been a must visit destination in the Hunter Valley for almost 20 years. Peterson House is the perfect wedding venue for your special day amongst the vines.

Petersons House boasts a team of skilled winemakers who possess extensive knowledge and experience in crafting high-quality wines. Their expertise allows them to apply precise winemaking techniques, such as hand-harvesting, gentle pressing, temperature control during fermentation, and careful oak maturation. These practices help to preserve the fruit’s natural flavors and aromas while bringing out the best characteristics of the grapes.

Petersons House has a commitment to attention to detail throughout the winemaking process. From grape selection and harvesting to fermentation and aging, every step is carefully managed to ensure the wines are of the highest quality. This dedication to quality control and precision contributes to the consistency and excellence of their wines.

Petersons House has gained particular acclaim for their sparkling wines. Their expertise in producing traditional method sparkling wines, such as sparkling whites, rosés, and sparkling reds, is evident in the finesse and elegance of their offerings.

The winery utilizes traditional techniques like secondary fermentation in the bottle, extended lees aging, and hand riddling to create sparkling wines with complexity, fine bubbles, and a beautiful balance of flavors.

Petersons House is committed to sustainable practices in their vineyards and winemaking processes. They prioritise environmentally friendly practices, such as minimal chemical inputs, water conservation, and energy efficiency. This dedication to sustainability not only helps protect the environment but also contributes to the overall quality and purity of their wines.

Bremerton Wines – Award Winning Wines in Picturesque Langhorne Creek

Bremerton Wines, located in the renowned Langhorne Creek wine region of South Australia, offers a compelling experience for wine enthusiasts. For the past 17 years Bremerton Wines has been awarded the James Halliday 5 star rated winery which ranks us in the top 5% of all Australian Wineries.

Bremerton Wines is known for producing exceptional wines that have garnered numerous awards and accolades. The winery has a strong reputation for crafting premium quality wines with a focus on varietals such as Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Malbec. Wine lovers will appreciate the opportunity to taste and explore the diverse range of wines available.

Bremerton Wines is a family-owned and operated winery, adding a personal touch to the visitor experience. The winemaking team headed by family winemaker Rebecca Willson has taken the quality of our wines to new standards. The Willson family has been involved in grape growing and winemaking in Langhorne Creek for over 30 years, and their passion for their craft is evident in the quality of their wines. Visiting the winery allows you to connect with the family and learn about their winemaking journey.

The winery is nestled in a beautiful countryside setting, surrounded by vineyards and sweeping views of the Langhorne Creek region. The picturesque landscape provides a serene backdrop for a memorable wine-tasting experience.

The Cellar Door has a bright and beautiful new extension to our restored 1866 stone barn – it’s a great place to enjoy a regionally inspired lunch, a picnic on the lawn, a gin flight, and of course, experience Bremerton’s award winning range of wines.

Cellar Door Hospitality: Bremerton Wines offers a warm and welcoming cellar door experience, where visitors can taste their wines and engage with knowledgeable staff. The staff members are passionate about the wines they produce and are eager to share their expertise and stories behind the wines.

Bremerton Wines provides various tasting experiences tailored to suit different preferences. You can opt for a traditional tasting at the cellar door or choose more immersive experiences, such as private tastings, guided tours, or even blending your own wine. These experiences offer a deeper understanding of the winemaking process and allow you to discover the nuances of their wines.

A visit to Bremerton Wines offers an opportunity to explore the Langhorne Creek region further. Langhorne Creek is known for its rich viticultural history, scenic landscapes, and cellar doors. You can explore other nearby wineries, indulge in regional cuisine, and appreciate the charm of this lesser-known wine region.

Bremerton Wines participates in various wine events and festivals throughout the year. These events often showcase the winery’s latest releases and provide a chance to meet the winemakers and learn more about their winemaking techniques. It’s a fantastic way to engage with the local wine community and immerse yourself in the wine culture of the region.

The cool climate region of Langhorne Creek, just 70km South East of Adelaide, South Australia, less than an hour from Adelaide via Mt. Barker. We look forward to welcoming you to Bremerton Wines

The Story of a Seventh Generation Barossa Vigneron – Vindana Wines

One of the great legacies of the wine industry is the multi-generations that prosper from the wine industry. It is important to tell these stories so they inspire.

This is the storey of a 7th generation vigneron, custodian of a family legacy…. please meet Scott Higginson Winemaker & Owner of Vindana Wines in the Barossa Valley who tells the story…

This story begins on the banks of Jacobs Creek, Barossa Valley in 1846 when our ancestor Johann George Mattner and eldest son Gottfried first purchased survey land from the government and our family carved themselves a future of freedom, reliant on faith through a mixed farming enterprise including vine garden and very primitive cellar for small scale wine production. Five generations on my grandfather who inherited the property at 16 years old following the death of his father in a truck accident, so assumed responsibility in supporting his mother and three siblings (one of which was born 8 months following his father’s death).

Following a period of much struggle he managed to hold ownership and go on to begin raising his own young family that included my mother and twin sister, but after 111 years of family heritage on this patch of dirt, he was lured by opportunity of bigger vineyards into the irrigated frontier lands of Monash, SA, some 2 hours North of the valley.

Upon relocating he soon experienced a change in market conditions that resulted in not been able to sell his grapes, by the following years vintage it was looking like the situation was not going to change, so was faced with a choice of either leaving grape crop to rot on the vine or sell to wineries at well below production costs. In a leap of faith he decided to crush the fruit himself and went on to sell most of the wine in bulk to d’Arenberg’s, Basedow’s and Kay Brothers. And so we saw the establishment of Vindana Wines.

The following period saw market conditions evolve and within 10 years Vindana had risen to be the 4th largest winery crush intake across Australia and had those very wineries that did not want his grapes not so long ago, lining up with cheque books for a buyout. Despite the lucrative offers, he decided to forge forward as a family wine company with hopes and dreams to someday pass on to the generations that follow, although his generous and caring nature was soon to be taken advantage of and his dreams shattered.

The cyclical nature of the wine industry experienced another downturn coupled with substantial Government changes to liquor licensing and tax laws, which once again saw a surplus of grapes and 100’s of family growers grappling to hold onto their vineyards. These growers were being turned away by many of the larger wineries not wanting their fruit and my grandfather experienced endless stream of down trodden growers and their families begging and pleading with him to take their grapes otherwise they would be left to rot and no income that year.

Although Vindana winery was also full of wine from previous year in tank and struggling sales, Dennis who could sympathise with these growers having experienced same situation years earlier, ill-fatally offered a hand of generosity and agreed to take in the growers fruit, on the proviso that they would not receive payment until the wine was sold (similar to the Peter Lehman like scenario). Three months after the fruit was crushed the deal was soured by a small group of growers under financial stress from their banks and the whole good deed got ugly. After several years of legal disputes Dennis was so disheartened by this act of betrayal and fed up with how things had played out so he sold the winery and returned his focus to farming winegrowing enterprise. Vindana was no more.

Scott Higginson is the eldest grandson to Dennis. His earliest memories and childhood experiences all evolve around the upbringing amongst the vines or the vast playground of oak, stainless and concrete that made up the winery cellars. Then in later teenage years attending University of Adelaide’s Roseworthy Ag campus to study wine marketing, this campus is located on the Western flank of the Barossa Valley and numerous field trips for study and various social events saw me develop a connect to the area and somewhat homecoming to where my family legacy first commenced. Back then I always had a desire to one day establish myself as a small vigneron in the valley and carry forward a family heritage. Although this was a journey that would take another 15+ years before I returned to establish Vindana.

In 2013 I invested into small acreage of land and house in the Southern Barossa, just a stone throw from where my family first commenced on Jacobs Creek. Immediately began establishing a vineyard and in 2014 sourced a couple of tonnes of Merlot fruit from a local grower to craft my first batch of what was to become Vindana Wines. Following a brief period of bootlegging a few barrels between friends, family and work colleagues, I eventually registered and re-launched the company Vindana Wines in 2018. As we progressed our way to about 1,000 cases annually and I decided to step away from the corporate world to focus on this venture. After 170+ years of being vignerons, I can’t say I didn’t know better, it’s just what we do! So let us celebrate the next generation of emerging vignerons..

The Journey of Macquariedale Organic Wines to Mount Canobolas in Orange

Derice McDonald, the wine-maker’s wife, reflects on 30 years on country and looks to the future as their newest vineyard is planted out.

Ross and I are establishing Macquariedale Organic Wines, one of the highest vineyards in Australia in the Towac Valley on the side of Mount Canobolas, Orange. As we grapple with the many challenges of starting a vineyard from scratch – why do we do it? – it has brought back memories of when we established our first vineyard in the Hunter Valley.

Then, we were as green as possible, not the tree-hugging green that came later, although we always had deep roots in the soil. Ross made wine in his bedroom as a teenager and planted a few rows of vines on his auntie’s farm, which was called Macquariedale. As a child, I wandered through my grandparents’ vineyard, tasting the grapes as they ripened.

The year we first planted in the Hunter Valley, 1993, was as wet as this year has been. But this year has definitely topped 1993. A different location brings new challenges, and one of the many on our new farm is rocks! Mount Canobolas is an extinct volcano with rich soil, filled with worms and rocks from smaller than a baby’s hand to sizes that can only be handled by a Bobcat. But rocks have positives – providing great minerals to the soil and being in a cool climate; when the land warms, so do the rocks holding the heat in the soil, which is beneficial for the vines.

It’s been thirty years since we began our wine journey, and it has taken us along paths we hadn’t anticipated or planned for. Ross’s background is as a chemical engineer, which is very beneficial in understanding soil science and winemaking. He brings his knowledge and experience with a big heart. My skills are more in the creative and intuitive areas. I could see the vision and hold it even when we didn’t have the answers.

Many times, a leap of faith was required. We both embraced sustainability – it came naturally and made sense to us. We were the first vineyard in the Hunter Valley to become Certified Organic/Biodynamic. It put us outside most of the wine community then, but we passionately believed in farming and living holistically. We wanted to one day leave the land we cared for in a better condition than when we took guardianship of it.

We also believe that we are responsible to our customers as whatever we put on the land and vines will eventually end up in the bottle of wine. So we must face our customers with a clear conscience of how we farm in the vineyard, the vegetable gardens, olive trees, garlic, orchard and house gardens. We also believe we have a responsibility to future generations. So we didn’t want to be cursed for what we had done.

When I walk the land, I feel and hear Her. I’m not Aboriginal, but I understand their love of country and how important being on country is to their well-being.

The wine reflects the land and the people that care for Her. Every vintage, we strive to make the best possible wine from the grapes grown that season. We love how this is reflected in the bottle, the story it tells whether it was hot and dry, cool and wet, or a perfect season with the right amount of sun, heat and rain – if only that happened every vintage.

We take a minimal intervention approach in the winery to allow the grapes and the season to do the talking. The fullness of flavour and cleanness on the palette tells the sustainable story.

Thirty years on, we establish our new vineyard with memories of the excitement of harvesting the first grapes from those vines, tasting the grapes through the growing and winemaking, and the anticipation of a beautiful, well-balanced wine when we pour it from the bottle for the first time. With the future in mind, we’ve just planted the Pinot Noir, and now we have a few years to wait.

In the meantime, we will travel through the seasons with the vines, nurturing them as we did to our growing family with love and encouragement to be the best they can be, reaching for the sky, and adapting to life’s challenges. As we see this in the lives and on the faces of our adult children, we will taste it when we pour it into glasses to share with family and friends.

Soliste Wines of Sonoma Coast in California: A Twist of Fate

A wonderful surprise in the wine game is serendipity. The people you meet along the way makes the journey as exciting as tasting the next vintage. And as fate had it, we had the pleasure of technology and wine worlds colliding by meeting with Donald Plumley, co-owner of Soliste Wines from Sonoma County, California.

The Sonoma Coast is a California wine-growing region that spans between the Pacific Ocean Coast and the Russian River Valley in Sonoma County. It is a beautiful part of the world.

In Burgundy, France, a “Soliste,” is a special barrel kept by a winemaker for friends and family. As the Soliste Pinot Noir wines are often produced from just one or two barrels, the name is very apt. Claude, the winemaker and co-owner of Soliste Wines grew up in Burgundy, and after training with Paul Bocuse and Alain Chapel, became the youngest Michelin 3-star chef in Paris at La Vivarois.

In the US, Claude was the executive chef at L’Orangerie, and Le Cirque 2000. A James Beard Award winning Master Chef, Claude is recently retired from the specialty food products company he founded and is among the most knowledgeable Burgundy lovers in the world. Soliste is probably the only winery with a 3-Star Chef winemaker, and a favorite of Sommeliers and is found on the wine lists of some truly exceptional restaurants today.

The four MonoClone® Pinot Noirs produced since the 2010 vintage are sourced from Sonatera Vineyard, Keller Estate (located in the Petaluma Gap region of the Sonoma Coast), and Guidici Vineyard (located near Occidental), all in the Sonoma Coast appellation.

The Forêt is 100% Clone 23 (Mariafeld) and the L’Ambroise 100% clone “828” are sourced from the Guidici Vineyard. The L’Espérance is 100% clone 115 and Sonatera is 100% clone “777” sourced from Sonatera Vineyard, and the Nouveau Monde is 100% Pommard clone from Keller Estate. It is of interest to discuss each wine individually.

Traditional vineyard designate Pinot Noir is a combination off all the clones from a site to maximize production. In the New World, Single clone Pinot Noir was once criticized as lacking in some component such that it is not a complete wine. Claude and Don both disagree, and argue that it comes down to matching the site with the specific clone and indeed, the precise cooperage (barrel). Their pursuit to craft wines that honor their Burgundian benchmarks (historically also from single clones) is relentless and reflects a deep partnership rooted in old-world traditions.

Visit www.soliste.com to view current releases and enjoy!

Whistler Wines in the Barossa Valley – The Perfect Staycation

Need a break from the humdrum of city life? We have the perfect boutique Barossa Valley break for you!

You may not know that in 2020, Whistler Wines was named “Best Small Cellar Door” in the Barossa Valley by GT Wine Magazine! Whistler Wines gained recognition after winning multiple awards including “Best White Wine in Show” for the 2000 Estate Semillon at the Barossa Wine Show and “World’s Top 10 Shiraz” for the 2006 Estate Shiraz from Winestate Awards in 2009. So now you know!

And let us introduce the main man behind Whistler Wines, Mr Sam Pfeiffer. Yeah the big guy, that’s him right here..

Although Sam’s focus is slinging wine (sales), he started out in the wine industry working vintages in the Barossa at Peter Lehmann, Yalumba and abroad in the Sonoma and Napa Valleys, California as well as in Marlborough, New Zealand.

In fact, grape growing has been part of the Pfeiffer family way of life for four generations. Founder, Martin Pfeiffer grew up on a vineyard, as his father before him, and afforded his kids the same opportunity at Penfolds’ Kalimna Estate. As Penfolds’ Head Vineyard Manager, Martin was fortunate enough to obtain cuttings from the famous ‘Grange’ vineyards (the Kalimna 3C clone), which were the 1st plantings on the estate in 1994. Still family owned, by Martin’s son Sam, the vineyard is now run using organic and biodynamic practices to produce both quality fruit and exceptional wine.

His love for people is what eventually lead him into sales which began in fine wine liquor stores and evolved into representing brands such as Bollinger Champagne, Henschke, Petaluma and Oyster Bay here in Australia and in Canada. And now in his spare time, you’ll see him and the lads from Whistler Wines sitting on the barrels, tasting and talking wine.

And with sunsets like this below (yes a real picture taken from the cellar door), you’ll be very excited to get down to Whistler Wines for a tasting, a great cheese & fruit platter as well as a staycation. Yes, that’s right, there is a gorgeous accommodation on the vineyard! Hosted by Sally & Martin Pfeiffer, this private, self-contained, 2 bedroom guest wing is surrounded by vines and gardens. Located on our Heysen Estate Vineyard just up the hill from our Cellar Door, it’s the perfect location to relax and explore the Barossa.

We look forward to hosting you at our Cellar Door where you can enjoy our premium range of wines. Our tastings are available at our indoor tables which are reserved for patrons 18 years and over. We have 4 tasting tables which can accommodate groups of up to 6 people and are run on a first come first serve basis.

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Corryton Burge Winemaker Matt Pellow Wins 2022 Barossa Winemaker of the Year

Matt Pellew’s key role in the successes of Corryton Burge’s inaugural wine releases, along with his more than 20-year contribution to the Barossa wine industry, has seen the chief winemaker named the 2022 Barossa Winemaker of the Year. Listen to Matt speak about the prestigeous honour …..

The Barons of Barossa, a wine fraternity of almost 100 men and women established in 1975 to promote and foster the world-renowned region’s wine, food, heritage and lifestyle, gather each year on the third Sunday of February to declare the vintage, herald the official start of the Barossa grape harvest and recognise a winemaker who has made a significant contribution to the industry, producing wines that exhibit the regionality of Barossa grapes, and generously shares their knowledge with others.

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Over the years and working with some of the Barossa’s most ancient vines, Matt has honed his craft with varieties such as Riesling, Chardonnay and Shiraz, all of which are true expressions of their vineyards. He readily admits, however, that his secret wine passion lies in the challenge of mastering blends of Grenache, Shiraz and Mourvèdre and producing exquisitely balanced Cabernet from Eden Valley.

Trent Burge, who established Corryton Burge with sister Amelia some two years ago, described Matt as a most worthy winner and a vital part of their winemaking team. Matt, who has extensive knowledge of oak and selects barrels from multiple coopers around the world, lives our brand philosophy of bringing out the very best in each variety. “His experience must take much of the credit for our inaugural successes, which include Corryton Burge receiving a five-star rating in our first foray into Halliday’s Wine Companion and being shortlisted – one of just 10 wineries from a field of over 200 new entrants – for the New Winery of the Year award.”

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Stunning Bio Dynamic Certified Rippon Vineyard in Lake Wanaka, Central Otago

Rarely do you find someone as dedicated to their trade as Nicks Mills, winemaker at Bio Dynamic Certified Rippon Vineyard. As you watch this video, you’ll be blown away by the draw dropping in Lake Wanaka scenery surrounding Rippon Vineyard in the Central Otago wine district.

Dedication to Preservation for Future Generations
Many people talk about it yet the Mills family practice the daily ritual of tending to their winery to leave it to their next family generation better than what they found it. And that is truly inspiring. Nick Mills, the winemaker, was raised on the shores of Lake Wanaka at Rippon Vineyard, arguably one of the most beautiful locations for a Bio Dynamic Certified vineyard anywhere in the world. Certified with Demeter re He creates organic wines that follow biodynamic principles.

True Artisanal Winegrowers
100 plus years on the land, family owned and run, five generations, organic since inception, bio dynamic since 2003, these are the oldest vines in the region. Yes, the pioneers of Lake Wanaka, Central Otago. The Rippon winery produces about 20 cubic tonnes of compost yearly and also produce all their Bio Dynamic preparations and tend the land by hand. True Artisanal winegrowers and custodians of their piece of land.

We love Rippon Vineyards as they are fine wine first, but always without additions, 100% natural ferments, no adjustments to must, the Pinots are unfined and unfiltered and the Whites only see a light filtration.

And to top it off, Nick cruises around in one of these. I know you want one of these. Who wouldn’t right?

Winemaker Insights into 2020 Vintage
And we just had to include another video of the breathtaking Lake Wanaka as Nicks Mills speak about the 2020 vintage!

Luis Seabra, the Portguese Rockstar Winemaker from Douro Valley

Meet Luís Seabra as he is something of a rock star among Portuguese winemakers. He worked for a decade at Niepoort, a famous producer of ports and red wines in Portugal’s great wine region, the Douro Valley. Luís has been responsible for some of the highest-rated wines of Niepoort!

The Portguese Rockstar Winemaker
Luís Seabra Vinhos began producing wines under his own label in 2013 and today gaining fame from increased exposure throughout Australia. The Luís Seabra wines are often blends of several grape varieties, many of which most Australians would not have heard.

Whites include rabigato, còdega, gouveio (verdelho), and viosinho e donzelinho branco. Reds include rufete, tinta carvalha, alicante bouchet, touriga franca, tinta roriz, tinta amarela, tinta barroca, malvasia negra, malvasia preta, donzelinho tinto, and touriga brasileira.

A Renaissance in Forgotten Varietals
Some of these varieties fell into obscurity because they were low yielding, disease-prone or otherwise troublesome. They are being rediscovered by Luís. Some of the wines were partly fermented in lagares, the open stone fermenters traditionally used for port, where they are also foot-trodden to crush the berries and mix the fermenting juice.

Pure Portuguese Wines
The philosophy at Luís Seabra Vinhos is encapsulated in the brand name Cru, which means raw. Luis’s aim is to make wines that really tell you where they come from, wine from specific vineyards with minimal intervention, wines that are true and honest, raw and pure.

Luís is always looking for the highest quality grapes and deals with several growers whom he knows and trusts. He constantly experiments and explores new possibilities: various soil types (mostly schist & granite), different altitudes (up to 600 meters above sea level), indigenous grape varieties and old vine parcels.

Explore the Douro Valley with Luís
Watch Luís exploring the remote corners of the Douro Valley and discovering the old vines from which he makes his wines from. They are marked by exceptional length and concentration of flavour. Using French and large Eastern European oak barrels only for maturation and in some cases for fermentation, preserving the character of the grape and expressing the vineyard is the priority.

Silkwood Estate – Luxurious Boutique Accommodation and Winery in beautiful Pemberton, WA

If you’re looking for a staycay in the gorgeous wine region of Pemberton in Western Australia, be sure to visit Silkwood Estate.

Unwind in a Forest Oasis
Silkwood Estate was established in 1998, with a core focus on finding the ideal climate and soil to produce quality wines. The vineyard is set amongst the magnificent Karri and Jarrah forests, for which Pemberton is famous. Featuring a prevailing temperature climate, gentle undulating landscape, and rich gravelly loam soils that overlay a clay base, this area was chosen to produce quality wine.

Stay in Luxury Accommodation
Nestled on a small lake you could be excused for thinking you’re in the wonderfully relaxing Karri bushlands. Yet in only a few minutes you can be enjoying wines from the Silkwood Estate cellar door and restaurant. Take a stroll to the pergola, sit on the lawn and enjoy the natural beauty surrounding Silkwood Estate . The 5 star chalets offer the perfect staycation when visiting the Pemberton wine region.

Relax Among The Vineyards
One of the most indelible memories you’ll have of your visit to Silkwood Estate, is enjoying being up close to the vinyards.  Relax outside and take in the magnificent views while sampling wines and food platters from our restaurant. A favourite location for weddings and events, Silkwood Estate can cater for up to 100 people sit down or cocktail style for 150-180 guests.

A History of Wine Awards
Silkwood Estate has had multiple notable reviews in recent times. Here is a perfect cheat sheet to read before heading into the Cellar Door for a wine tasting:

2019 Silkwood ‘The Bowers’ Chardonnay – 95 pts, Patrick Eckel
2019 Silkwood Estate The Bowman Chardonnay – 95 pts, Patrick Eckel, 92 pts Erin Larkin (Halliday Wine Companion)
2019 Silkwood Estate Malbec Pemberton The Walcott 2018 – 92 pts James Suckling, 91 pts Patrick Eckel
2018 Silkwood Estate The Walcott Shiraz – 94 pts, Erin Larkin (Halliday Wine Companion), 91 pts, Patrick Eckel
2018 Silkwood Estate The Walcott Chardonnay – 94 pts, Erin Larkin (Halliday Wine Companion), 92 pts, Angus Hughson (Wine Pilot)

Harewood Estate in Denmark, Great Southern WA : 5 Stars from James Halliday

It is hard to believe yet it is true. From 2006-2021, Harewood Estate received the Five Red Star award from James Halliday – Australia’s most influential wine critic – for “wines of exemplary quality and typicity”. Harewood Estate has been awarded the elusive Five Red Stars for a “consistent record of excellence” since its introduction in 2006! More than anything else, these awards are a testament to the quality of wine grapes grown throughout the Great Southern region.

A Winery worth Driving For
Now I have your attention, let us encourage you to visit the Harewood Estate winery in Denmark – 400km south of Perth. As you can see below, it is characterised by steep hills and valleys, the rolling slopes of the vineyard, and the Southern Ocean. The long cool summer days and ‘mean’ gravelly soils that slowly ripen the grapes to produce wines of intense flavour.

Harewood also produce wine from the Frankland River, a region known for some of the best Shiraz in the country. The sunny and dry climate has been described as ‘Mediterranean’, and as a result the wines are hefty and complex. The river moderates this climate, funnelling cool and humid air north from the ocean to allow a slow ripening period for grapes.

Towards the Porungurup Ranges
Mount Barker is also featured in the Harewood range of wines, a region that is the birthplace of the Great Southern for European-style wine. This region features dry open grazing country, with gravelly soil that resembles that of Bordeaux, France. Finally, Porungurup, which is vastly different from Mount Barker, features towering Eucalypt forest and rounded granite knobs, allowing for sweeping views over the Porungurup Ranges. The vineyard produces crisp, cool climate wines.

Meet the Winemaker
It is a very relaxed vibe at Harewood Estate and wine maker James Kellie started making wine on contract for Harewood Estate, and in 2003, with his family, purchased Harewood Estate.

The winery has grown from the initial 300 tonnes Kellie’s family built, to now 500 tonnes, receiving 31 national and international Trophies, hundreds of medals, and the coveted 5 Star Rating from influential wine critic James Halliday, which is awarded to top 5% of Australian wineries for a ‘consistent record of excellence’ and ‘wines of exemplary quality and typicity’.

A Stellar list of Wine Awards
This diverse range of wine regions in the Great Southern, partially attributed to the different conditions of these vineyards, are of the highest quality and have received many points and awards. Some high scoring wines include:

• • 2020 Flux-II Pinot Gris – 95 pts – Erin Larkin, Halliday Wine Companion
  • 2020 Flux-V Pinot Noir – 94 pts – Erin Larkin, Halliday Wine Companion
  • 2020 Flux-VII White Blend – 95 pts Erin Larkin, Halliday Wine Companion
  • 2016 Flux-VIII Shiraz – 94 pts – Patrick Eckel
  • 2020 Harewood Denmark Pinot Noir – 93 pts – Angus Hughson, The Wine Pilot, 90 pts – Erin Larkin, Halliday Wine Companion
  • 2018 Harewood Great Southern Shiraz – 93 pts Angus Hughson – The Wine Pilot
  • 2017 Harewood Great Southern Cabernet-Merlot – 92 pts, Halliday Wine Companion
  • 2017 Harewood Reserve Semillon-Sauvignon Blanc – 94 pts James Hallliday

Visit Gallagher Wines to explore Premium Canberra Wines

Cool Climate Canberra District
Next time you’re thinking of a staycation in the nations capital of Canberra, take a leisurely 30 minute drive north to Gallagher Wines. After over 20 years in winemaking in many parts of Australia as well as vintages in the USA and France, Greg & Libby Gallagher established Gallagher Wines in the Canberra District. Canberra was chosen for the cool climate, the altitude and the summer & autumn sunshine. This makes for a long and slow ripening to give the best winemaking fruit.

Gallagher Shiraz – A Favourite Among Locals
Greg’s intention was to produce a Shiraz that showed not just one intense fruit flavour, but the many flavours produced through the slower ripening. Shiraz is renowned for the rich Plum characters, but it also shows Black Olive, Liquorice and Pepper flavours when ripened slowly. These wines are also softer on the palate, being smooth, savoury and easier to enjoy. Visitors to the Cellar Door often rate the Gallagher Shiraz as the best the district has to offer.

Awarded the Best Canberra Riesling
Gallagher Wines have a reputation for more than Shiraz. The Riesling is a standout in the line up with many local and international awards. The 2017 Reisling being awarded 4 trophies as the Best Canberra Riesling, the Best Australian Riesling, the Best International Dry Riesling and the Best Riesling International. Riesling with fresh lemon/lime aromas, a clean and crisp palate and flavours that linger.

The Best Sparkling in Australia
Sparkling Wines are the 3rd style of wines made by Gallagher Wines, all on site in the district’s only dedicated facility. The Blanc de Blanc is a 100% Chardonnay sparkling wine, aged on lees for 5 years. Gallagher Wines have received many awards for this style including the trophy from Winestate Magazine for the “Best Sparkling in Australia”! Sparkling Duet is a Pinot Noir & Chardonnay blend, made in the traditional method, aged on lees for 18 months is our most popular sparkling, followed by the Sparkling Shiraz.

A Dynamic Father & Daughter Winemaking Team
Lauren, Greg & Libby’s daughter, has joined the team and is now winemaking with Greg. Lauren’s first wine is her Sangiovese Rose, called “The Sinister Apprentice”. A delightful bright pink showing fresh red fruit on both nose and palate, perfect with foods ranging from Salmon to Pancakes. Greg is a bit concerned with the name, but Lauren assures him that the take over will be mostly peaceful.

Glorious Cheeses Made at the Winery
Libby has been making cheese for 15 years at her “Fromagery” at the Cellar Door. Tastes of the Camembert, Labneh, Creamy Blue and her Zucchini Pickles with the wines are a highlight of every visit. Gourmet Traveller magazine rated Gallagher Wines in the top 50.

Montalto Wines – The ultimate food and wine experience on the Mornington Peninsula

Montalto Wines in Red Hill on the Mornington Peninsula is iconic among locals and it’s reputation stretches across Australia. Any why shouldn’t it. Have a look at the beautiful rolling hills viewed from the restaurant and courtyard patio.

Creating An Extrordinary Winery
Inspired by the rolling vineyards of their holidays in southern France, John and Wendy Mitchell bought their first small winery in 1997. 

Over the years the estate that would become Montalto evolved as the passions of the Mitchell family took hold. A love of nature, growth, people and environment joined with a desire to produce the best possible from the land of which they were now caretakers. 

The Mitchell’s draw on what they love, and share this passion with others; a philosophy of producing with love, for love.

Multi-Award Winning Restaurant & Winery
Montalto is a 16 times AGFG chef’s hatted restaurant, casual Piazza courtyard and sculpture trail in Red Hill, on the Mornington Peninsula. We’re also the GTWine Magazine ‘Star Cellar Door’ for 2020 & a Halliday Five Red Star rated winery.

The Montalto team’s philosophy is that wine should be an expression of its origin, a representation of the best fruit produced from its site in a particular vintage. 

The emphasis is on producing fruit of outstanding quality. Meticulous and considered winemaking is focussed on preserving and enhancing the characters from their Red Hill winery.

146 Gold Medals
Nominated as finalist in Gourmet Traveller’s Winemaker of the Year 2015 Len Evan’s Tutorial Scholar 2016
To date, Montalto wines have amassed 146 Gold Medals and 35 Trophies Nationally and Internationally under my stewardship.

Simon Black,  Winemaker
Meet Simon Black, winemaker. The 2010 appointment of Simon Black as winemaker marked a new chapter in the Montalto wine journey; an opportunity for the wines to achieve their full potential. Before joining Montalto Winery, on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula, just in time to set up the newly fitted-out winery and crush the first grapes for the 2010 vintage, Simon was the inaugural winemaker at both Willow Creek and Heathcote Estate, where he was also instrumental in setting up the production facilities.

Champagne Henriot Takes Champagne to Another Level

Have you ever wondered why champagne is associated with the celebration of achievement, feeling happy and fulfilled?

Perhaps one of the best insights to this multifaceted experience comes from Champagne Henriot in a recently released 10 minute video about ‘Medi Tasting’ which explains their 10-Minute Mindful Meditation Tastings process. Truly unique, wonderful and insightful for all Champagne lovers. Watch and marvel…

What they dont tell you about French Champagne in Australia?
While we love Cuvée and Sparkling Brut varietals, there really is only Champagne from France which can exhalt our senses above and beyond! Many people in Australia would be surprised to know that Champagne Henriot is one of the Top 10 selling champagnes in Europe. How so I hear you ask?

Alice Tétienne Cellar Master, Champagne Henriot
Meet Alice Tétienne, the Cellar Master at Champagne Henriot, one of the last remaining family-owned Champagne Houses with more than 200 years history. Through her experience, Tétienne has acquired knowledge of all the critical steps to craft Champagne wines, starting from the raw materials, its selection and understanding, to blending and winemaking. One unique aspect of House of Champagne Henriot is they age their champagnes longer than most other houses – 4 to 5 years for the NV Blanc de Blancs verses 18 months. Furthermore, their vintage champagnes are aged for 10 years before release.

Book a Tasting @ Champagne Henriot
I know what you’re thinking! Woah, wouldn’t you like to live here! This is Champagne Henriot and if you’re in the Champagne region in North Eastern France and visiting Riems, why not book Tour and Tasting Champagne Pannier.

The Perfect Gift for ‘That’ Special Occaision
Looking to buy French Champagne to make the moment unforgettable? Champagne Henriot takes it to the next level with its Jardin Blanc de Blancs in Gift Box.

The Colour Purple: The World’s First Purple Wine with a Purpose

Like the name suggests, Purple Reign by Masstengo Wines is a smash hit with wine lovers. In a time when wine drinkers are looking for new wines in local wine cellars, a purple wine is novel to bring to a BBQ lunch. Purple Reign uses natural plant-based antioxidants, to not only create the amazing colour, but also preserve the wine, all while minimising sulphites in the wine making process.

We spoke with wine innovators Tim Macnamara, and Rosco Stewart of Masstengo in March 2021 and asked them a few questions:

Question: Why purple ?

Tim: Necessity is the mother of all invention. After seeing all the chemical additives in wine, I researched high antioxidant natural plants, that may be used instead of them. I chose compounds that contained purple anthocyanins, turning the wine purple. I also noticed a considerable preservative effect, with wines lasting a long time in my fridge after being opened. I also noted my head was much clearer after much ‘testing’ of many batches.

Rosco: Purple is the traditional colour of royalty, and one of the hardest to find naturally. In antiquity it was derived from sea snails and was so rare due to the amount needed and difficulty in harvesting, that only kings and queens could afford it.

Question: What are Anthocyanins?

Tim: Purple coloured foods contain antioxidants called anthocyanins. A recent BBC online article talks of research linking anthocyanins to increased longevity, cardiovascular health, reduction in cancer and dementia prevention.  Purple foods that contain anthocyanins include blueberries, sweet potato, beetroot, and pomegranates.

Rosco: Whilst Anthocyanins have been used for thousands of years as tonics in tea, colouring in rice and preservatives throughout the eastern world, modern research is just beginning to cite their potential benefits for commercial use in food and beverages. “Anthocyanins are colored water-soluble pigments belonging to the phenolic group which possess antioxidative and antimicrobial activities, improve visual and neurological health, and protect against various non-communicable diseases”. (Khoo et al, Food and Nutrition Research 61(1) 2017)

Question: What are some possible advantages in your new approach to wine?

Tim: There could be many: use of natural organic preservatives, reduction of artificial additives, less hangover, antiallergens etc. Our Taiwan import partner got in touch with us initially because it did not trigger his asthma, as other wines have. Bottle shops have also tested how long it stays fresh after being opened, testing it every day, and declaring it was still fresh after two weeks.

Rosco: Our ethos is to remove harmful preservatives like sulphur from the winemaking process and continue to develop new ways to do so. The motto of our company Masstengo is ‘Wine for a new world’ and we are trying to create new innovative ways of making wine without chemicals. We are also the first purple wine in the world so this modern FOMO driven market there is an upsell from people’s natural inquisitiveness and eagerness to try new things.

Question: Do you export your wines?

Tim: Currently we sell to Japan, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and we launch in the USA next month. It has proven hugely popular, with many other countries requesting it, and we have had enquires as far off as Macau, Denmark, Canada, Malta, Singapore, France, UK, Dubai, Malaysia, and many, many more.

Rosco: Interestingly Purple Reign is so popular in Japan that out distribution partners organised a special limited release with Sanfrecce Hiroshima Football Club, whose official colour is purple. The Sanfrecce release is J League endorsed and already sold 5000 bottles.

Question: What trends are you seeing in the marketplace for 2021 and beyond?

Tim: Organic, Preservative Free, and Vegan Friendly will continue to grow. Our two new red wines are due in August and will be all those things and also infused with our helpful antioxidants.

Rosco: Consumers will be looking for interesting new products that harness the power of nature, are sustainable, organically farmed, and free from harmful chemicals. Masstengo is on the same page, trying to find natural, sustainable, and innovative ways to push the boundaries of wine making.

The fearless team has no limit to their accomplishments ahead. Vision is sacred to those who truly believe and Tim is one of those few people who has the ‘the right stuff’.

Buy Purple Reign Wine Online now

Wondrous Cottontail Wines in Wagga Wagga, Riverina

Tantalise your tastebuds and pleasure your palate with all the gourmet goodness of Wagga Wagga’s wondrous Cottontail Wines.

Situated 15 km to the north-east of Wagga Wagga, NSW, Cottontail Wines is a family-owned business led by the family duo Gerry and LillyMcCormick.

Cottontail Wines is a scenic dining experience in the Riverina that overlooks the vast picturesque countryside of Wagga Wagga, NSW. They offer award-winning homegrown wines, signature dishes that are prepared with fresh Riverina produce and specialised event services.

At Cottontail Wines you’ll find yourself immersed in the aroma of our signature dishes, sipping on world-class wines and absorbing the scenic Riverina landscape.

The Vineyard
10 acres of vineyards were planted in 2002 and as hoped, the nutritious and healthy soils of the Riverina worked its magic, producing an abundance of luscious quality fruits with rich, complex flavours.

Soon after the harvest in 2005, the first commercial vintage of Shiraz and Chardonnay under the Cottontails brand was launched to great acclaim in the domestic and international markets.Encouraged to expand their range, by 2017 Cottontails had created 8 distinctive varieties, each with their own unique twist on the full-bodied berry-fruit flavours for which this proud local winery is renowned.

The Restaurant

In 2016, Gerry’s daughter Lilly took the reins as restaurant manager, and alongside Gerry is a strong and popular presence in the area. Their passion for sourcing all things local brings the best of fresh Riverina produce to the table and has seen Cottontails take pride of place in the area. It is a testament to the power of nurturing a dream. A dream that embraces family, nature, and community.

Gerry McCormicks’ bold decision to establish a winery at Harefield Ridge in 2001 was the first step in an inspiring journey that has borne fruit in the form of the spectacular Cottontail Wines estate. 100 acres of undulating land provided nature’s own canvas on which to begin the dream of creating quality fruits and superior wine production.

The first seeds were planted in the form of over 170 olive trees in 2001, and it was here that the full magnitude of Gerry’s ‘big picture’ vision began to take shape. With their plump fruit and stunning foliage, these now mature olive trees provide a scenic welcome to visitors on approach to the restaurant and vineyard and offer a glimpse of the delicious wonders that await.

We look forward to welcoming you to Cottontail Wines in Wagga Wagga.

 

Artwine: 14 Estate Grown Wine Varieties from Adelaide Hills

If wine is art, then Judy & Glen Kelly’s Adelaide Hills’ Artwine is a masterpiece!

Producing 14 estate grown varieties from their vineyard in the Clare Valley and the cooler climate of  Adelaide Hills vineyard, which houses the Cellar Door and Tasting Room, Artwine is a must visit when traveling to South Australia’s famous wine regions. Varieties are Pinot Grigio, Fiano, Viognier, Graciano, Montepulciano, Tempranillo, Prosecco, Albariño, Grûner Veltliner, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Riesling and Old Bush Vine Grenache.

Judy & Glen Kelly were totally inspired by the new Mediterranean varieties which started them on their crazy wine journey nearly twenty years ago or at least that’s what many traditional winemakers thought at the time. Estate Grown, Vegan and producing 16 wines from 14 varieties and with a further three “alternative” varieties planted this year.

Why do they love these new varieties so much? They are super food friendly, climatically suited to our two regions and have wonderful complexity of flavours awaken our palates. We are fast becoming a nation of foodies with exposure to the flavours of Europe, these wines excite and complement our lifestyle.

They were way ahead of our time in many of our initial plantings, the first to plant Fiano, Graciano and Viognier in the Clare Valley and today are the only Adelaide Hills Cellar Door offering an estate grown Prosecco and Albariño from our Hills vineyard.

Their achievements have been beyond our hopes and dreams. Artwine have achieved 25 trophies to date including Wine of Show at the Australian Alternative Varieties Wine Show and 3 Winestate Magazine Wine of the Year category trophies. And with delicious platters of olives, salami, fruits and dips served  while tasting European wine varieties, you might well think you are in th Mediterranean!

With Claymore Wines, You’ll Never Walk Alone in Clare Valley

There are few sporting franchises better known than the Liverpool Football Club. Second only to the hallowed turf of Anfield is Clare Valley vineyard at Claymore Wines in South Australia. That is where you will find a Premiership Team that is passionate about  bringing together football wine and music to create the ultimate experience. Many of the Claymore Wines labels are inspired by either football or some of the greatest music of modern times.

Just over 20 years ago, Claymore Wines was humbly established with small volumes of Grenache and Riesling from a single vineyard in Penwortham. Since then, the estate has grown to include additional varientals and 44 hectares across three additional vineyards in Watervale.

Claymore Wines cellar door is conveniently located at the gateway to Clare Valley in Leasingham, and only a short distance from the town centre of Clare. Taste your way through the entire range, including some wines available only at Cellar Door. Starting with Superstition, then visit the Joshua Tree, experience the Dark Side of the Moon, then slide into a Bittersweet Symphony.

Enjoy the sunshine on the deck with a glass of wine and cheese platter using South Australian cheeses and local produce or prop yourself up on a stool and lose yourself in the wine tasting experience.

Winemaker at  Emma Walker believes in minimal intervention, or the ‘velvet glove of winemaking’ as she likes to call it, where she supports the ‘fruit to be a true expression of the vintage conditions and sense of place’. She has adopted this approach after working extensively throughout multiple local and international wine regions throughout her career.

Emma’s first project was completely unplanned. It was born out of serendipity and intuition. When referring to the 2020 Whole Lotta Love Emma comments ‘we found a stunning block of Pinot that just screamed Rosé. It looked so pretty in the vineyard, and that carried through to the glass’.

The varietal and wine are stylistically very different to the rest of the wines in the Claymore Wines’ range. Deliciously crisp with a pale blush hue, displaying notes of vibrant pink grapefruit with mineral elements of sea spray and appealing aromatics of wild strawberries and cream.

Come on REDS. #YNWA

King River Estate: A Jewel in North East Victoria’s Wine Region

There’s nowhere quite like Victoria’s North East and there is nowhere quite like the King Valley. Only 3 hours from Melbourne, and one might argue a little off the Hume Highway tourist trail is the little “hamlet” of Edi. Once a thriving community with 4 pubs, a post office and a railway station, what remains now is a shadow of its Tobacco growing heyday! But that is part of the charm.

Most wineries in the area have a long family story stemming back to the 19th century and we too enjoy strong connections to the region adding to the local appeal and identity. The area is steeped in agricultural history, gold mining history and yes even a couple of bushrangers are thrown in for good measure to add to the appeal.

Famous (or is that infamous) as one of the biggest tobacco growing regions in the country where the dairy industry also has a strong foothold, the area soon turned over to vines when Tobacco started to fall foul; at only 30 minutes from Wangaratta, King River Estate was established in 1990 when the first vines were planted on the estate and the first vintage was realised in 1996 by the previous owner.

A father and son team planted and propagated the vineyard and established the label until only a few years ago. The current owners also have a good history in the region with a small holding only 3 kms away growing small amounts of grapes that the former owner and winemaker of King River Estate would assist in making some of their wines. It was through that bond that the current owners were in a good position to purchase the property with 2 other families to continue the “tradition” of family run King Valley wineries.

The vineyard is ideally located on the banks of the King River in the shade of a small mountain in what is arguably the gateway to the upper King Valley. Using alluvial deposits and being close to the water table, the vines enjoy rich minerals and a good natural water supply, minimising the need to irrigate even during the dryer months. In the winery we also use minimal intervention in the wine making process such as using wild yeast to assist in a natural fermentation, which allows the wine to show its true personality thus creating a more complex range of wines.

Using a traditional yet innovative approach to wine making, the King River Estate’s philosophy is based on some of the “old world” techniques where wines are made naturally and the grapes are left to interact with wild yeasts, allowing for a natural fermentation to take place resulting in far more complex, soft & textural wines.

The rustic setting is effectively dominated by old tobacco processing and dairy farm buildings and is set off with a lush lawn and garden area that has been tended to over the years with as much care as has been shown to the lush vines. Our cellar door is located in an old machinery shed, and whilst it may have changed purpose it still retains some of its rustic charms whilst being a practical centre to the property to sample our wines.

Whether it is the more “traditional” varieties such as Shiraz or Merlot that you enjoy, or some more exotic varietal names such as Vermentino, Barbera, Sagrantino, or Saperavi that appeal to your senses, then we are sure to have something to appeal. As we say – we let the vines do the talking – so why don’t you swing by for a chat.

BUY KING ESTATE WINES ONLINE

How Horses Inspired Hirsch Estate Wines in Yarra Valley

The Story

The Hirsch family believe that there are no short cuts in life.  Any pursuit of the good in life begins with dedication and appreciation for hard work. The Hirsch family strive to produce honest wines with 100% estate grown and hand harvested fruit, offering a unique taste of the cooler northern end of the Yarra Valley region.

The land at Hirsch Hill was purchased by brothers Jack and Eddie in 1990 for the purpose of breeding and producing Thoroughbreds. They quickly realised the land they obtained was perfect for growing and cultivating wine – since all their neighbours were planting vines! 

Jack became the spearhead of the wine business, establishing the estate and planting the first crop in 1998.

Throughout the years, Jack Hirsch relentlessly investigated new ways to make each vintage better than the last. One of Jack’s first awards was our 94 rated 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon. The highest rated Cabernet in the 2007 Australian Wine companion. This was only the start of dozens of awards and high-rated reviews they have received over the years. 

When it comes to producing world class varieties of wine, the Hirsch family is eager to embrace, adapt and explore new and innovative practices. The last few years has seen them employ the help of some of the region’s top winemakers; recently borrowing the skills and knowledge of Rob Dolan. Rob’s hands-on approach to winemaking is a perfect fit for the family and the estate.

Over its 30-year history, Hirsch Hill has matured itself in a 4.5 star rated vineyard by James Halliday. The second generation of the family now operates and continuously develops the rich and proud history that there is at Hirsch Hill. 

… and they still love to breed and race their Thoroughbreds 😉

BUY HIRSCH HILL ESTATE WINES ONLINE

Breathtaking Views of Bay of Shoals Wines on Kangaroo Island

Capturing stunning views over the vineyard and out towards Reeves Point, Bay of Shoals Wines is well worth a visit.

With its first harvest in 1998, Bay of Shoals is a boutique winery located on Reeves farm, which was part of the first land subdivision in South Australia. Owner John Willoughby first spotted the farm whilst sailing past on his yacht” Enchantress”. 

The cellar door was established in 2006, and offers wines that are sophisticated, yet approachable, with a range of varietals to suit any occasion. Bay of Shoals produces beautiful award-winning wines that benefit from a maritime climate, enhancing the fruit flavours.  In fact, their Riesling vines are thought to be the closest to the ocean in the Southern Hemisphere, at just 30 metres to the water’s edge.

Bay of Shoals wines really are an authentic Kangaroo Island product as their grapes are grown, harvested, and made into wine on site at the winery by winemaker Kelvin Budarick, who came over to the Island from the Clare Valley, bringing with him 30 years of winemaking experience. It is no surprise that Kelvin’s wine of choice is Riesling, stating that his love of Riesling goes beyond the clean citrus flavours, he likes its versatility. 

Kelvin has been involved one way or another in the wine industry all his working life, becoming assistant winemaker at Leasingham wines in 1990. 

Kelvin modestly points out that at Bay of Shoals Wines he has been given the opportunity to manage the whole process of winemaking from start to finish, from tending the vines through to controlling the fruit and making the wine. Vine to glass, so to speak. Kelvin believes good wine is a reflection of good fruit and attention to detail, believing that what happens in the vineyard is key to the success of producing quality wine.  Bay of Shoals believes that their wines are special because they are a true expression of the fruit characters of each grape variety grown in the vineyard.

Aside from beautiful wine, visitors will find endless nautical references and curiosities, a result of a collection of traditional boats, charts, oars and instruments collected by owner John Willoughby, a passionate and accomplished sailor, having competed in six Sydney to Hobart yacht races and winning the Melbourne to Hobart Westcoaster, in 2010. 

A love of sailing and the sea is evident as you stroll around the property and cellar door, sails from many Sydney to Hobart yacht races adorn the walls of the cellar door with stunning sea views as a backdrop and beautiful old boats resting against tree stumps. 

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Manton’s Creek Estate Winery on the magnificent Mornington Peninsula

For the travelers in search of a weekend away, Flinders in Victoria is a beautiful quaint town which locals enjoy pretty much to themselves. From enjoying jumping off the Flinders Pier before buying freshly cooked mussels, the town is named after the famous Matthew Flinders, the English navigator termed our nation “Terra Australis” from which Australia originated.

A short 10 minute drive from Flinders along Tucks Rd in Shoreham is Mantons Creek Estate, where the Pellicano family winery produce hand crafted, award-winning premium quality wine. The family takes pride in producing high quality wine with a sensible, sustainable viticulture approach. Located in a magnificent setting off a small beaten track in one of Australia’s premier wine and food producing regions Mornington Peninsula.

The 19-hectare property was previously an orchard and herb farm before it was developed into a vineyard during the 1990’s.  Michael Kyberd has been a winemaker for over 20 years on the Mornington Peninsula and has worked with Mantons Creek Estate over three vintages producing award-winning premium wines. There are eight variety of grapes grown on the vineyard which include Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Gewürztraminer, Tempranillo and Muscat.  

Mantons Creek Estate is the perfect place to venture out to. The Cellar door is contemporary, it draws strongly on materials with a sense of maturity, quality & richness to compliment its surroundings. Cellar Door offers a variety of premium estate white, red, sparkling and dessert wines. The restaurant Quattro is a unique, regional venue with indulgent views across the vines. This secluded and tranquil haven offers an exceptional intimate and relaxed Mediterranean inspired dining experience with an Italian influence Menu. 

Don’t forget to say hi to Humphrey, our vineyard donkey who is located in the first paddock near the bend at the second entrance. He is a very friendly fellow!

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De Iuliis Cellar Door in the beautiful Hunter Valley

World Class Wine Cellar Door in Hunter Valley, NSW

When planning a visit to Hunter Valley, one cellar door you won’t want to miss is the De Iuliis. Pronounced ‘de uli ~ iss’, this upmarket winery was established by the De Iuliis family and operated by Michael De Iuliis.

Originating from Italy the De Iuliis family have made the Hunter region their home since 1960. After a long successful career in the Hunter mining industry, Joss and Anna De Iuliis were inspired to follow their family passion for wine and chose a property in the Lovedale Road region of the Lower Hunter Valley, converting a grazing property into a 20ha vineyard with the first vines planted in 1990. For the first decade they provided fruit for some of the Hunter Valley’s biggest names.

It wasn’t until their son Michael finished his postgraduate studies in Oenology at the world renowned Roseworthy campus (Adelaide University) in 1999 with remarkable results that dynamic of the business changed from grape growing to wine production. A new state of the art winery and a modern airy cellar door was built, designed by architect Lionel Glendenning, and completed just in time for vintage 2001.

Today, De Iuliis wines are known for their trademark Hunter regionality and commitment to showcasing the very best the Hunter Valley has to offer. The Australian Wine Companion by James Halliday has been rating De Iuliis Wines a 5 star winery since 2010. The family’s vision is to continue producing wines of excellence and outstanding quality from individual paddocks, wines of distinction which they are proud to have their name on.

THE WINEMAKER
Michael De Iuliis ‘has lifted the quality of the wines into the highest echelon’ – James Halliday

Michael De Iuliis, well known and well liked Hunter Valley winemaker and wine judge, started off as a Macquarie university Science Graduate and completed post Graduate studies in Oenology at Roseworthy Campus (Adelaide University) in 1999. The year after saw his first complete vintage as a winemaker, using grapes grown on the De Iuliis family vineyard. Since then he has gained a huge reputation for his fresh approach to creating wines truly expressive of his home Hunter region which are considered as some of the best examples coming from the Hunter Valley.

Among many accolades, Michael has been a Len Evans Tutorial Scholar (2004) as well as Finalist at the Young Winemaker of the Year Awards (The Wine Society, 2005). Michael was one of 8 Nominees for the 2013 Gourmet Traveller Wine Winemaker of the Year Award.

Michael has completed the Future Leaders Program (Winemakers’ Federation of Australia, 2009) which led to his further involvement in other areas of the Australian wine industry such as wine show judging and his active part in the Hunter Valley community, promoting the wine region as a whole at numerous events around Australia. His involvement includes the Next Generation Hunter Valley, Pokolbin Reds Rugby team, the Cessnock Council and the Hunter Valley Wine and Tourism Association.

The De Iuliis Cellar Door is the heart of this boutique winery in the beautiful Hunter Valley.

Framed by the iconic Brokenback mountain range, our landmark Cellar Door is spacious and filled with natural light. The floor-to-ceiling windows and an outdoor deck invite you to soak up Wine Country experience with views of manicured gardens and native fauna including our resident kangaroos. The more adventurous might like to climb our observation tower for breathtaking views of the surrounding area. The team pride ourselves on our tight-knit experienced team of wine enthusiasts who provide a friendly, informative and welcoming atmosphere for you to discover our wines.

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Hahndorf Hill: Austrian varietals wine in the blissful Adelaide Hills

Austrian-varietal wines have become the passion and mainstay of vignerons Larry Jacobs and Marc Dobson of Hahndorf Hill Winery in the Adelaide Hills. Their picturesque vineyard is situated at the edge of the German heritage town of Hahndorf, only 30 minutes’ drive up the freeway from Adelaide. This is a magnificent property and meticulously maintained.

Here they have planted and are pioneering Blaufrankisch, Gruner Veltliner, Zweigelt and Saint Laurent, which are grape varieties widely found in Austria and in surrounding European countries but which are relatively unknown in Australia.

“We love working with these grape varieties because they make beautiful, food-friendly wines. They also enable us to offer something different and interesting for Australian wine consumers to try.”

Marc Dobson, Owner of Hahndorf Hill Winery

Hahndorf Hill make four styles of Gruner Veltliner, Austria’s great white grape – a classic, reserve, new-world and dessert style, each appealing to its own niche market. Their classic style has achieved considerable success, having twice been rated by Austrian wine magazines as being the best example of Gruner Veltliner in the world outside of Austria.

Here in Australia two of Hahndorf Hill’s Gruner Veltliner wines were placed on James Halliday’s Top 100 Wines list for 2019.
According to Marc, Gruner Veltliner is accessible and enjoyable with its purity of fruit and minerality and it also has sufficient complexity to spark the interest of any keen wine lover.

During the 2020 vintage, Marc and Larry harvested their first crop of Saint Laurent – an Austrian red grape variety which is the genetic ‘daughter’ of Pinot Noir, sharing some of its characteristics both in the vineyard and in the bottle. Like Pinot Noir, Saint Laurent can be temperamental in the vineyard and in the winery, but the results can be gorgeous when you get it right. Style wise, it’s similar to Pinot Noir but darker in colour and a bit more assertive.

In addition to their Austrian-varietal wines, Hahndorf Hill also produces other cool-climate classics, such as Pinot Grigio, Shiraz and a delicious, dry-style Rosé.

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Firetail Winery: Lighting up Margaret River

Firetail wines are not available in any liquor store in Australia. We like that!

The owners, Jessica or Jessica came to Margaret River in 2006 to our property which is planted with vines now 40  years old with the plan to open a small boutique Cellar Door selling wines of exemplary quality.  The wines, since opening have been awarded Gold Medals at Wine Shows and the rate very highly in Halliday’s Australia Cabernet Challenge and the Halliday Wine Companion.  Jessica and Rob manage the viticultural and winemaking practices to create wines that have the characteristics of the region and more specifically our Rosa Glen site and our vines, most especially the Cabernet Sauvignon vines given the unique micro climate influenced by the Southern Ocean and the productive Treeton loam soil.

Jessica was awarded a Masters of Wine Technology and Viticulture at the University of Melbourne and Rob has Certificate in Wine Business Management from Curtin.  The best viticultural services are provided by AHA Viticulture and the wine is made by two winemakers, Bruce Dukes and Peter Stanlake, achieve results through others.  However we hold tight control from the vineyard to the glass of the end product.

The usual inhabitants around the Cellar Door are the resident flock of Guinea Fowl.  Firetail has a desire to reduce the use of chemicals and so the first area of progress was the total avoidance of pesticide use in the vineyard 10 years ago when we started to establish the Guinea Fowl flock.  The wander the property from shortly after sun rise to nearly sunset feeding on the insects and other pests.  There is nothing they like better than an aerial chase of a grasshopper.  

Avoidance of run off especially nutrients is important as we run off to the Chapman Creek that joins the Blackwood River at Warner Glen.  Runoff in winter from the vineyard has been dramatically reduced by not driving the tractor in the vineyard in winter.  Fertiliser is applied at the end of the spring rainfall when the ground is less saturated and has a greater chance of soaking in rather than running off.  

For those technical minded wine enthusiasts who love sustainably wines, here is some more information for you about the Firetail Wines:

The 2015 Firetail Sparkling Chardonnay, made in the traditional method, the primary ferment was partially performed in barrel, the bottled wine spent more than 30 months on lees before being disgorged.  The dosage was extremely low after disgorge, about 3.5 gm/L.   Brioche characters, with crisp citrus and white peach with a persistent fine bead. 

The 2018 Firetail Sauvignon Blanc, made in the style of a Sancerre, partial barrel ferment and batonnage in barrel for six weeks, then transfer to tank to the wine made in tank and further lees stirring for 6 weeks.  A multilayered wine, herbaceous, legumes, citrus and pip fruits with a long lasting palate.  

The 2013 Firetail Semillon, made by partial barrel ferment in new oak followed by full barrel maturation in used oak for several months with batonnage to lees stir.  Recently described as an amazing wine, toasty developments add intrigue to the flavour, texture and balance, gentle citrus and lemon tart flavours.

The 2019 Firetail Rosé, made from fully ripen Merlots grapes, 36 hours on skins to give a rich red colour, fill of fruits aromas with a hint of loganberry, slightly sweet to start but dry at the finish due to the 14% alcohol.  

The 2016 Firetail Cabernet Sauvignon, a pure Cabernet Sauvignon style rarely seen in Australia, exceptional fruit character with gentle use of French Oak, dark berry characters with cherry and hints of chocolate and coffee in an elegant Cabernet Sauvignon, 13.1% alcohol.

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Picardy Premium Wines : An elegant beauty in Pemberton, WA

A Premium Boutique Winery

Pretty special view isn’t it! Picardy is one of Australia’s leading premium boutique wine producers, established in 1993 in the Pemberton region of Western Australia. Picardy is owned and operated by Bill, Sandra, and Dan Pannell. Bill and Sandra were pioneers of the Margaret River region, establishing Moss Wood vineyard and winery in 1969. if you didn’t know, Moss Wood went on to be a driving force in establishing Margaret River as one of Australia’s important growing regions.

Great Wines are Made in the Vineyard

Picardy strives to continue this tradition of wine making quality and excellence. Picardy produces Sauvignon Blanc Semillon, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Shiraz and Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc wines. All wines bearing the Picardy label are entirely from our single vineyard property in Pemberton. As Bill will tell you “Great wines are made in the vineyard and are only finessed in the winery”. The Pannells believe the wines should be a true expression of the vineyards terroir and potential, rather than winery manipulation.

Cool Climate Handpicked Wine

Picardy is situated in the tranquil region of Pemberton on deep gravelly loamy soils. The region offers high altitude and close proximity to the ocean (for cooling summer breezes), thereby providing ideal conditions for cool climate wine production. In the vineyard, Picardy follows sustainable management practices. All Picardy fruit is estate grown, unirrigated, cane-pruned and handpicked.

Dynamic Father and Son Winemaking Duo

Picardy wines are made by father and son team Bill and Dan Pannell.Dr William Pannell was a doctor before his passion for wine led him to set up one of Margaret Rivers first wineries. Bill is “QBE… qualified by experience” as he has read everything he can get his hands on about wine and is now possibly the longest standing Pinot producer in Australia. Dan Pannell has grown up in the wine industry and completed a Bachelors of Science (Oenology) at The University Of Adelaide. The family work with a close team including John Pollock who has been at Picardy for 15 years.

So when you’re planning your winery tour to Margaret River, be sure to plan for a visit to Picardy in Pemberton. The memories with family and friends will last a lifetime.

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Myrtaceae Winery: Boutique wines on the magnificent Mornington Peninsula

Tasting wines in cellar doors, dining in modern restaurants, golfing, swimming and hiking through the sweeping hills of Main Ridge, Red Hill and Flinders from Sorrento on the Mornington Peninsula is an incredible experience. A few miles from the iconic Arthurs Seat chairlift is Myrtaceae Winery.

Established in 1984, Myrtaceae is a vineyard and winery situated in the Main Ridge area on the Mornington Peninsula, Victoria.  It remains the highest winery on the Peninsula, making it ideal for the production of limited quantities of high quality, cool climate, single vineyard Chardonnay and Pinot Noir wines.

The owners, John and Julie Trueman, are passionate Peninsula vintners who grow their grapes, produce their own wines and host Cellar Door visitors every weekend, with tastings conducted in Riedel rolling tasting glasses. The winery is nestled in a small picturesque valley and surrounded by every-growing gardens.

A Rustic Cellar Door Experience
John & Julie Trueman own, manage and produce Myrtaceae – you’ll also find them at Cellar Door each weekend.Julie is responsible for winemaking and continues the quest to learn the intricacies of the grape and how to best let it express itself. When not in the winery she can be found managing the extensive gardens surrounding the property or driving the Art Deco-inspired branding of interior of Myrtaceae.

John is responsible for managing the vineyard and producing the best possible grapes. He is also the driving force behind the property’s Land For Wildlife registration and the regeneration of the headwaters of Main Creek, which begins on the property and flows down the centre of the peninsula to Bushrangers Bay, Cape Schanck.  

Viticulture & Winemaking
Myrtaceae’s vineyard covers 3.5 acres with a combined total of less than 5000 bottles produced per vintage across Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Rosé. John & Julie Trueman have always overseen the entire process, from planting through to bottling and aim to create wine reflective of the location and conditions.

The vineyard uses a Scott Henry trellis system, intervention with the vineyard is kept to a minimum and grapes are hand-picked over a series of vintage days in Autumn.The winemaking process too aims to let the fruit show itself, with minimal intervention. All our wine ferments in French Oak, split equally across new, one-year-old and two-years-old oak. Read varietal and vintage notes in our Wine Shop.

History
Established in 1984 by current owners John & Julie Trueman, in the early 1990s Cabernet Sauvignon was planted however the site proved to not be warm enough due to its high elevation.The original vineyard was transformed in the mid 90s by mostly replanting with Pinot Noir and some grafting to Chardonnay. 1998 saw a further new vineyard planted with Chardonnay.The first small vintage of Chardonnay was produced in 2000 and the first Pinot Noir in 2002. The wines have always been made on site, though the winery was not opened until 2004.

Behind the name – it’s pronounced mer – tay – see
Most of the major indigenous tree species of the Hinterland region and the Peninsula belong to the Myrtaceae botanical family. This family comprises, among others, eucalypts, melaleucas and leptospermums. It was a name that cropped up quite regularly when the property was being researched and reclaimed from its tangle of blackberries and other introduced weeds. It stuck. 

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Lowe Wines: The Zinfandel from Mudgee is Magnificent

The sandstone buildings shine in the sunlight and in the Autumn, Mudgee is particularly one of the most beautiful country towns. Strike that, one of the great unsung wine districts! And one winemaker who has raised the bar and made magnificent wines is David Lowe from Lowe Wines.

David is a prominent name amongst Australian wine, having been a part of the industry for over 40 years. Learning from some of the greats across the Hunter Valley and France, David returned to Mudgee in 2000 to construct the Lowe winery on his family property ‘Tinja’.

Certified Organic and Biodynamic

Converting to organics in 2003, Lowe Family Wines is certified organic and biodynamic. This way of farming and caring for the land & vines is what David believes allows him to make the best wine possible. The vines are unirrigated and untrellised, allowing the terroir and vintage to shine through in each wine. Produced in small batches to ensure quality, the wines are also low in preservatives. This aim to keep sulphur down, being sensitive to it himself, led to the creation of his Preservative Free Shiraz (PF500). Having been making it for 10 years now, he is considered a market leader for this difficult wine style.

Zinfandel Awards

His icon variety however, is Zinfandel. A Californian variety, David has adapted it to the Mudgee climate to make it his top wine. Winning best Zinfandel at the 2005 and the 2006 International Wine Challenge, it has only been success from there with this variety. More recently his ’09 Zinfandel won Australian Organic Wine of the Year in 2011 and took home the trophy for Best Red Wine in the Mudgee Wine Show.

Lowe Family Wine Co has recently expanded to include The Zin House, Kim Currie’s hatted regional restaurant & food garden, and The Pavilion at Lowe, a custom designed wedding and function marquee.

David and wife Kim form a formidable force of food and wine representing the Mudgee region. Together they aim to keep promoting regionality and sustainability in both wine and food, aided by their guiding principles of quality, authenticity and generosity.

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Harris Organic Wines: A Calling for Sustainability

Duncan’s Ancestral Calling

One of the reasons we all love to travel to wineries and their cellar doors is to explore the unknown, to see unscripted moments of inspiration. Duncan Harris, owner and winemaker of Harris Organic Wines, has created a wonderful experience for travelers to enjoy.

Duncan grew up in Launceston in the Tamar Valley, and came to Perth in 1993, buying the Swan Valley property in 1998. While working full-time, as a mechanical engineer, he spent every spare moment building the dream of a winery in Perth’s Swan Valley.  Duncan’s ancestors first came to Australia in 1788. They were an entrepreneurial lot, with one Francois Girard, owning the Sydney Hotel (1828) and another, Michael Hayes, Australia’s first accountant, operating one of the first illegal distilleries in Australia in 1805.

The Global Journey to Local Organic Wines
Duncan had become intrigued with the world of wine, particularly from the growing of the grapes, the winemaking, maturation and finally the drinking the fruits of his labour.  Duncan travelled extensively. Viewing vineyards in Burgundy, Alsace, and Gigondas in the Rhone Valley while sampling the produce. In 1995, Duncan started winemaking with Perth friends and his winery cellar door opened in 2000. I am sure you’ll agree, being located footsteps from the vineyards, there’s an earthy simplicity that draws you in. In 2002, the new purpose-built cellar door was attached to the old 1933 built grape processing shed and winery. There’s a real sense of history you’ll get when visiting Harris Organic.

Full Organic Certification Wine Awards
After Duncan became a full-time vigneron and winemaker in 2001, it was a proud day when organic certification was obtained in 2006. In 2018, Harris Organic Wines celebrated 20 years of business and something which makes Duncan’s opinion sought after by aspiring organic winemakers.

Duncan believes in sustainability and organic methods as the only way of saving the planet. He believes that wine is made in the vineyard; to let the vineyard tell the story in the wine, allow it to produce wine flavours that give a great sense of place, the soil and the “Swan Valley wine region”. His dryland organic viticulture assists that.

In 2017 and 2018 Duncan became a finalist for the organic farmer of the year award. Every year Duncan enters his wines into the Swan Valley Wine Show. Last year he obtained 5 medals with 6 wines entered. His silver medal rare liqueur muscat was chosen as one of the wines in the top 25 wines of WA in a range of 276 wines. Congrats Duncan and team!

Travelling to Perth for Wine Tastings?
When you are next visiting Perth’s wine region, be sure to visit Harris Organic Wines and do a seated tasting of some of their handcrafted wines including the magnificent Sparkling Blanc de Blancs, Verdelho, Chenin blanc, Chardonnay, Shiraz, Malbec, and Rose or their range of unique certified organic ports and liqueurs (the only ones made in this world) made from Pedro Ximenez, Muscadelle, Shiraz and Muscat.

A smiling Duncan will greet you and share his stories of how this organic wine became his life’s calling.

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Arimia Estate: Redefining the winery with holistic approach to organic farming

Arimia Estate: An Organic Mission

The good people at Arimia Estate in Wilyabrup (Margaret River region) in Western Australia use organic farming principles, operating off the grid, reducing waste, and growing all produce used in their wines and restaurant. Their mission is to leave the land we’ve farmed in a healthier condition than that in which we found it. If we all had that mission, the world would be a better place wouldn’t it?

Farmers First Principle

One of the missions for Cellars.com.au is to celebrate and amplify the story of Australia’s family boutique wineries. Hard working farmers who toil for perfection for our satisfaction of tasting their wine. At Arimia, they are farmers first. The driver here isn’t the wine or food itself but the positive impact they can have on place through the production of these things. The restaurant and cellar door are a celebration of place: from our bottled wine and olive oil to the pork and trout dished up on the deck.

The Arimia Property: Australian Certified Organic

Arimia is a 138 acre property spanning both sides of Quininup Road in the Wilyabrup sub-region of Margaret River, just 2km from the Indian Ocean. It is now a sustainably managed and organically certified mixed farm, with 8.4ha of vineyard, 2ha of olive grove, 1,000sqm of vegetable gardens, pigs, sheep and trout. This is the Arimia from which award-winning wines and head chef Evan Hayter’s cutting edge food come. As a result, the fruit, vegetables and animals they farm have more flavour, are healthier, and are a more authentic representation of the land.

Wines Infused by Winds from the Indian Ocean

The Arimia vineyard is primarily based on sandy top soils, over a lateritic clay subsoil, varying in depth from 20cm to in excess of 1m. These soils, and the winds directed up the valley from the Indian Ocean, provide a freshness and brightness of fruit and perfume in the Arimia’s wines, which are framed by great natural acidity. The wind also provides a natural protection against fungal disease and helps with organic management.

Arimia wines are made by Mark Warren at Happs Wines in Dunsborough. A self-confessed ‘chemistry nerd’, Mark is a trained microbiologist and biochemist, and has made wines in the Swan Valley and Margaret River for more than two decades. He has also lectured in Wine Science and Advanced Sensory Evaluation at Curtin University’s Margaret River Campus since 2004 and makes wines under his eponymous ‘Marq’ label.

Our Restaurant & Cellar Door

Having worked in Michelin starred restaurants across Europe, Arimia head chef Evan Hayter serves modern Australian cuisine with some Japanese inflections using seasonal ingredients grown and reared on site. Fiercely dedicated to conscious farming and cooking, Evan’s food is an extension of the Arimia story, and in eating it, you become part of Arimia’s mission to give back to this land that gives so much to us. Wine tastings are conducted by their small and highly knowledgeable team, who can also help diners pair wines from the varied selection with visitors meal. Farmed the same way, Arimia’s wines and food are crafted to be enjoyed together. 

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The influence of the Benedictine Monks on the Great Southern Wine Region

Divine Intervention
You only need to look at the name Zarephath Wines to know there is an ancient feel to this winery in East Porongurup, in the Great Southern wine region of Western Australia. If you’re religious, you’ll be fascinated to know that the winery was founded in 1994 by a small Benedictine religious community who left in 2013 when the new owners purchased the winery. Under the guidance of Rosie Singer and Ian Barrett-Lennard, the wines from the Great Southern wine region have gained considerable applause.

Award Winning Riesling
Riesling grown the Great Southern wine region and especially at Zarephath Wines has won multiple awards and gained attention as a top quality wine with 95 points by James Halliday. Increasingly, east coast Australian riesling fans are buying up Zarephath’s Riesling. The striking quartz minerality and zesty citrus taste makes the Riesling a perfect compliment for spicy Asian dishes and seafood stews.

Also their 2015 Riesling took out 4 trophies in the WA wine award that year for Best Riesling, White Wine, Best Single Vineyard and Best most distinctive Regional Character. The 2015 and 2016 Pinot Noir won best Pinot Trophy both years.

Excerpt from James Halliday Wine Companion 2020
The Zarephath 2017 Riesling (95 points) tasting notes are ” You can’t ask for much more than this lovely Riesling offers, from nose to tail, from bouqet to aftertaste. It has already started to open up with a precocious display of pink grapefruit, lime and lemon. The finish is long and cleansing, and balance is there.

Locally Sourced Garden Picked Gastronomic Delights
Zarephath Cafe overlooks sweeping views of Zarephath vineyard, and to the hills and valleys of The Porongurup region beyond. It is the perfect destination to enjoy tasting our range of wine and the exquisite menu of our cafe. Using local produce where possible, including dorper lamb and homegrown vegies, Rosie offers a feast for the senses from her country kitchen in the winery tasting room and cafe. Call Rosie on 08 9853 1152, to book a table, Saturday and Sunday 11pm till 4pm.

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An artist from Mendoza to Mordrelle Wines

Luck Follows the Brave
Born in Mendoza, Argentina, Martin Moran, winemaker at Mordrelle Wines is one of the emerging wine makers around Adelaide Hills. He is continuing his grandfather’s legacy of winemaking in Australia after having experienced vintages in Argentina, USA and Australia.

Love Is First Vintage,
Martin established Mordrelle Wines in 2010 in Hahndorf in the Adelaide Hills wine region with his wife Michelle and her parents David and Jane Dreckow. This guy is all about the ❤️! His first vintage Blanc de Blancs was showcased at their wedding. His passion is making premium Blanc de Blancs, cool climate chardonnays and single vineyard red wines using sustainable practices. One of Martin’s Argentinian specialties is making Malbec wine.

A Passion for Family & Friends
When he’s not teaching his young family how the business of winemaking works, he loves playing piano and guitar and cooking Argentinian BBQ’s for friends and visitors. YUM!

Artistic Bottle Labels from Mendoza
Each of the labels from Mordrelle Wines has a hand painted reproduction from the collection of art painted by Martin’s father, José Luis Moran (1938 – 2010). Heralding from Argentina’s wine capital of Mendoza, my father, José Luis painted thousands of watercolours and oils in his lifetime.

His artworks are proudly displayed on Mordrelle Wines labels to honour his memory. Martin Moran, Winemaker.

Traveling to Adelaide Hills for Wine Tastings?
So when next visiting the Adelaide Hills wine district, be sure to visit the Mordrelle Wines family winery and taste some of their handcrafted wines including the magnificent Sparkling Blanc de Blancs and Apple Ciders; Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc; Pinot Noir, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec, Barbera, Tempranillo, and Rose.

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Angas Plains Estate Wins 2019 Best Small Cellar Door

When Gourmet Wine Traveler Magazine awarded Angas Plains Wines Estate Cellar Door as Best Small Cellar Door in Langhorne Creek for 2019, it was recognition of the decades of hard work from Phil and Judy Cross.

Langhorne Creek – The New Destination

Langhorne Creek is less than 1 hour from Adelaide and for people ready to experience an old wine region, a fabulous region to experience new boutique cellar doors. This region produces much of the State’s wines, a fact acknowledged by many of the major wine companies. Being the second largest growing region in South Australia in a good vintage. Now boutique wine producers are making unique wines with the beautiful soft tannins the region is renowned for, available to everyone. So close to Strathalbyn.

Cabernet Sauvignon – Personal Favourite of Phil Cross, Winemaker

If you speak with Phil Cross, Owner of Angas Plains Estate, he’ll tell you “the Cabernet has a beautiful bouquet giving soft berry aromas with a generous soft tannin finish on the palate.” Aging in fine French Oak for a minimum of 12 months the Cabernet shows an elegant integration of fine tannins with hints of chocolate and a soft varietal finish. If you didn’t know, the Langhorne Creek Region is known by red wine lovers for beautiful well rounded red wines. The soft tannin finish exhibited by Angas Plains Estate reds means that many major wine producers source fruit from this area. Peter Douglas as Angas Plains Winemaker has a careful watch and taste of the wines, and together with Phillip & Judy select the wines to ensure consistent quality across the range.

The Angas Plains Estate wines are generally made in small batches (10 tonne) and the red wines ferment in open top vessels over 8 days. They are pressed off skins and filled into French barrels for the Cabernet and a combination of French and American oak barrels for the Shiraz. Each year 25 to 33% of the barrels are replaced to keep the proportion of new oak in the system in balance with the fruit.

Angas Plains Estate Suites  – Heritage Suite – Vineyard Suite
Stay in the century old homestead with your own private access. Just steps away from the working winery and cellar door.

It’s a joy to find a boutique winery with a range of wines that make you feel really pleased that you have found them. Nestled in the vines in the new but old region of Langhorne Creek is Angas Plains Wines. The white and sparkling wines are delicate and crisp while the red wines are known to have solid but beautifully rounded tannins. The wines from Angas Plains are certainly true to these track records with delightful whites (including sparkling), and classic varietal cabernet as well as plum and spice shiraz with just a hint of savouriness.

Plenty of Awards
Angas Plains Estate was awarded 5 stars for 8th year by James Halliday in 2018 Wines Companion!

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The new gold in Beechworth is Baarmutha Wines

Beechworth in Victoria is a magnificent town. Rich in history dating back to the 1850s Victorian Gold Rush. The imposing sandstone architecture and wide streets make an indelible ink and lasting memories for visitors. Yet as we know, the hidden nuggets for travelers are often found just between the towns we travel. The unexpected finds down the road that await the curious ones.

 

Travel back to the Old World
Just a short 6.5 km drive from the Beechworth post office (whose tower rises in the above picture), you’ll find yourself thinking you’re driving along the roads in Tuscany! You might actually think you have been transported back in time as winemaker Vinny Webb and his wife Sharon follow Old World principles, minimal intervention, wild ferments, and time underground, to truly support Beechworth’s envious reputation for high quality artisan wines.

A Cellar Door Experience to Remember
Organise some time to visit wine maker Vinny Webb, and his wife Sharon to enjoy a truly personal and unique wine tasting experience. A planned visit can include all or some of this journey, including underground barrel tastings and sharing a local platter of Everton olives, Milawa cheese and Italian- style Beechworth salami in a wonderful purpose built old Gold fields building, with a few modern climate control conveniences.

Discover the History of Baarmutha Wines
Enjoy the stories of Vinny and Sharon’s journey in building Baarmutha Wines included every facet of pouring fine wine into glass, from the Oenology and Viticultural studies at CSU, to the variety and clone selection, planting and establishing of our small low yielding vineyards, hand weeding, mulching, nurturing to hand selecting the fruit at harvest with family and friends.

How the Baarmutha Salami is Made
Enjoy this video made by Vinny’s son. It’s amazing!

White Glove Valet to Vineyard Service
For wine tastings, Vinny and Sharon will organise to pick you up and return you to your Beechworth hotel. Really? Yes indeed! The cost is $90 for (per couple) as it lasts for an hour and includes a current release bottle and the platter. Gotta love that! And you must try the home made Salami. It’s the local secret yet we’re happy to share it with you! Vinny and Sharon very much like to meet and greet fellow foodies and wine lovers, so be sure to phone ahead so that they can organise a time and date that best suits you!

And if you are traveling, just ask Vinny or Sharon to arrange a 6 pack of wines to be sent ahead to your home address. They are beautifully packed and will await you on your return home. #BeechworthNewGold.

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Kimbolton Wines – Hippest Cellar door in Langhorne Creek, SA

I am sure you’ll agree that Brad and Nicole and the team at Kimbolton Wines have built an amazing visual experience for you to taste world class wine in.

Pop one of Kimboton Wines’ bottles open and enjoy wine the way you want to enjoy it. Taste it with your eyes first, if you like. We’ll top up your glass wherever you roam and have you feeling right at home. And no need to swill, swish, or smell your wine, either.

A Family-Owned, Family-Run Cellar Door

Kimbolton Wines is a family-owned, family-run cellar door offering wine made by people who love drinking our product as much as we enjoy making it.  Bringing together Nicole’s fun spirit with Brad’s unwavering attention to detail, each Kimbolton vintage is the culmination of thoughtful, hard-earned process—one we invite you to explore with us. 

Try a ‘Visual Tasting‘

More importantly, the good people at Kimbolton Wines genuinely want you to enjoy wine as much as they do. No pretense or highbrow stuffiness. Just good wine and good, good people. 

Kimbolton Wines are proud to be the first winery in Australia, perhaps the world, to offer curated ‘visual’ tastings, designed to introduce you to each of our wines and flavour profiles. They’re informative, fun, and beautifully produced. Most importantly, they take out the guesswork and pretending, so that all that’s left to do is enjoy the wine you hold in your hands. 

Relax overlooking the Vineyard

I am sure you’ll agree, Kimbolton Wines offer a sophisticated yet relaxed cellar door to enjoy a hip filled wine tasting session with family and friends. Langhorne Creek is a must do on your next cellar door tasting trip and be sure to put Kimbolton Wines at the top of your bucket list.

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Blewitt Springs Wines Co. – a McLaren Vale Organic Vineyard with Deluxe Accommodation

An Elegant Boutique Family Winery

Blewitt Springs Wine Co is a boutique, family winery owned and run by Phil and Nina Tabor. It is situated 40 minutes south of Adelaide in picturesque Blewitt Springs, which is home to some of the oldest vines, has the highest altitude, highest rainfall and coolest winters in the McLaren Vale wine region.  

Certified Organic Vineyard in McLaren Vale

The certified organic Shiraz vineyard sits on ancient sands over clay and silt stone which dates back to 750 million years. As the winemaker, Phil utilises organic practices throughout the vineyard with a philosophy to work with nature, rather than against it to boost the vineyard’s biodiversity. His goal is to create a vineyard which is a self-regulating, natural ecosystem and all his practices are intended to achieve this.

The fruit is chemical free with minimal additives and coupled with the ancient soils the vines grow in, adds to the terroir which influences the quality and taste of our wine. Using minimal water results in lower fruit yields, but the flavours are more intense and fruit quality is far higher.  The working winery produces a portfolio of wines which showcase the high-quality fruit and reflects Mediterranean varieties and styles. Included are an award-winning Shiraz, Grenache and Fortified Shiraz. 

Self Contained 1930s Stone Cottage Deluxe Accommodation

As one of the parcels of land given to the returned soldiers following World War 1, this property is a piece of local history. The original 1930’s stone cottage has been lovingly renovated into luxury self-contained accommodation and offers stunning views across the vineyard and out to the Mt Lofty ranges. This stylish homestead style house which provides original charm and modern amenities. Guests are treated to a beautiful house with gorgeous views and enjoy thoughtful touches and attention to detail throughout.

The purpose-built gazebo is the perfect spot to sit back in comfort, take in the sublime views and sip on a glass or two of the complimentary wine. The stunning views and quiet rural setting allow provides the perfect place for guests to relax and unwind and let their stresses melt away. 

McLaren Vale is less than 10 minutes’ drive away and gateway to a beautiful wine region filled with world class wineries, abundant local produce, diverse culinary experiences and specialist shops.  

The Mural at Blewitt Springs Wine Co.

And before you leave the beautiful country surrounds, be sure to take a photo in front of the mural. I’m sure you agree, it’s pretty hip!

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Rosby Wines – Mudgee Wine, Art and Beautiful Guest House

Rosby Wines is Mudgee’s most exclusive wine label, borne out of a lovingly tended block of 35-year-old cabernet sauvignon and shiraz grapes owned by the Norton-Knight family. Originally planted by vigneron Gerald Norton-Knight, his wife Kay, and their four daughters, the vineyard is closely managed throughout the seasons to facilitate high-quality, low-yield crops of no more than two tonnes an acre.

Wine Tastings at The Hut

This low-impact farming philosophy marries with the Norton-Knights’ personalised approach, with Rosby Premium Wines only available for tastings in their custom- built mud hut overlooking the property. Hand-crafted out of trees felled on site and mud bricks from the family’s dam, The Hut now stands as a beautiful, highly usable testament to the honest, hard-working philosophy underpinning the Rosby brand.

Art Workshop at Rosby Wines

Throughout the year, The Hut becomes a unique space designed to host a series of Art Workshops in an environment that ensure the learning experience is a truly unique and immersive one. Whilst admiring the picturesque vineyard and natural surrounds, they’ll also be treated to a wine tasting with the vigneron followed by a tour of the vines.

Luxury Accommodation overlooking Mudgee Valley

A new addition to the Rosby stable brings similar opportunities to enjoy the picturesque Mudgee valley and its people, in the form of a sprawling luxury Guesthouse. Recently transformed from a family homestead into boutique four-bedroom accommodation, Rosby Guesthouse now offers stylish weekends away for four couples or a group of friends.

Bespoke finishes like hand-sewn cotton linen and soft furnishings, premium bath products, custom breakfast hampers, original artworks in every room, and of course complementary bottles of Rosby wine, make for utterly memorable weekends away.

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A Town called Durif – Domaine Asmara

About 135 kilometres (say 90 minutes drive) from Melbourne heading north along the Calder Freeway, you’ll find a town called Heathcote. Or as Melbournians know it, the area where big bold Durif red wines come from. The earthy Durif taste is distinctive given the Heathcote region is at elevations between 160 metres and 380 metres. One of the finest Durifs from the region is made by Andreas Greiving, winemaker at Domain Asmara. Watch the video below for a wonderful view of the vineyards.

Hand Made Premium Durif, Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon Heathcote Wines

Born in Germany, Andreas is a Chemical Engineer and has worked all over the world. Together with his wife Henni, who is an Indonesia dentist, they created Domaine Asmara after the Indonesian word Asmara, which means love and passion.  Andreas and his team only use garden scissors (known as secateurs) and do not use any machines in the process of making his premium wine.

Bed & Breakfast at Domaine Asmara

Imagine walking the vineyards early in the morning with Andreas, watching how an experienced winemaker works and learning about the winemaking process. Staying at the Domaine Asmara Bed & Breakfast amongst the vineyards, you will enjoy this unique experience followed by a fully cooked country breakfast on the verandah. Find bookings, please contact Domaine Asmara.

 View from Mt Ida lookout in the Heathcote-Graytown National Park

After a lovely visit and tastings at Domaine Asmara’s Cellar Door, before leaving Heathcote, be sure to enjoy the breathtaking view from nearby Mt Ida. The cracking sunsets are amazing with the pink sky over the Heathcote-Graytown National Park.

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The Blok Coonawarra – Stay in The Winemakers House

Have you ever dreamed of the escaping the city and staying on a vineyard. Well at The Blok Coonawarra winery, you can actually stay at The Winemakers House! And the house sleeps 8 people so bring your friends and enjoy a weekend or better still a long weekend at The Winemakers House at The Blok. Sitting amongst the vines the 3 bedroom house is walking distance to many of the fantastic winery cellar doors of Coonawarra.

Relax in Style and Taste Wines with a Home Cooked Meal

The house boasts a fully equipped kitchen for you and friends to cook up a magnificent meal with fresh produce from local farms, 1.5 bathrooms and a wood fire for the colder months. Visit wineries by day and then enjoy a home cooked dinner that you and friends can prepare together. The house can sleep up to 8 guests so everyone can enjoy quality time together with plenty of space outside to walk around.

Cabernet Sauvignon – Perfect compliment to Local Cheeses

Coonawarra is famous around the world for its “terra rossa” soil that produce world class Cabernet Sauvignon wines. These rich, firmly structured red wines are the perfect compliment to bring out the flavour and texture of locally made cheeses.

Cellar Door Tastings at The Blok Coonawarra

The cellar door is open 10am to 4pm Thursday till Monday. The Blok Coonawarra is open all public holidays except Christmas Day. Wine tasting by appointment outside of these hours please use the contact form or the details below. When visiting The Blok Estate in Coonawarra, you will be greeted warmly by the team and you’ll be sure to enjoy learning all about the Coonawarra from Luke Trotter, owner and winemaker.

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Jack Rabbit Vineyard – you have to go!

If you’re from interstate and thinking the Yarra Valley or Mornington Peninsula is “the” wine region in Victoria, then you haven’t heard of Jack Rabbit Vineyard or the magnificent Bellarine Peninsula.  If you’re looking for cool climate excellence (hint: think chardonnay, pinot and shiraz – all regional signatures) you’ve landed in the right place.  You just can’t beat the vibe of Jack Rabbit Vineyard. Located less than a 90 drive from Melbourne and only 30 minutes from Avalon Airport, if you’re planning a trip to Victoria’s wonderful wine regions, Jack Rabbit Vineyard and the gorgeous view of Port Philip Bay from the House of Jack Rabbit Restaurant and the House of Jack Rabbit (Cafe) should be on the top of your travel list!

Dine in Splendor Overlooking Vineyards with Bay Views

The Jack Rabbit Restaurant has world class food coupled with great views overlooking Corio Bay. The perfect setting for that special someone in your life! Travelers from Melbourne can catch the ferry over from the Docklands. For those wishing for a more relaxed scene, the House of Jack Rabbit (Cafe) offers a casual style lunch and dinner menu. Go on, order up the cake and desert wines as you can walk it off around the expansive grass area later. Or even better, sign up for Yoga in the Vines at Jack Rabbit Vineyard. It’s very popular with the locals and the perfect excuse to revisit while you’re visiting the Bellarine Peninsula.

Best Friends Forever Memories Abound

Not too many winery restaurants command a ‘vibe’ like the House Jack Rabbit (Cafe). It’s full tilt for friends who want to relax in style and enjoy the elegance in a bayside atmosphere. Views over the Corio Bay interlaced with casual yet fashionable patrons is the perfect way to snap that Instagram photo and keep the memory of the afternoon with family and friends forever. Put the Rose wine on ice, adjust the sunglasses and kick back to enjoy the Spring and Summer breeze while you toast to good health.

Cellar Door Open 7 Days a Week

Open from 10am – 5pm daily, the Cellar Door and tasting room in the House of Jack Rabbit (Cafe) is very popular with groups of friends. Dine a la carte or else ask the friendly Jack Rabbit team about the Group dining options (which need to be pre-booked) – there are quite a few that will get you jumping for joy!  Guided wine tastings are $5 per person but complementary for those dining.  Bookings are highly recommended, Jack Rabbit is the local hot spot for good reason!

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