Category: Winery

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.

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 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 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.

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 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, 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

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.

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!

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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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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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.

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!

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

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)

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 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.

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’.

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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.

 

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!

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

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 😉

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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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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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