By Fergal Gleeson
A Taste of Italy (and Quilts!) at Vineyard 28
Vineyard 28 is continuing to make a name for itself with Italian grape varietals such as Dolcetto, Nebbiolo and Arneis (all of which originate in the Piedmont region). Their Dolcetto has been was awarded a Gold Medal for two years running at the Australian Alternative Varieties Wine show and collected the Best Red Italian Variety Wine Trophy in 2018.
In July they will release their first sparkling made from Pignoletto, from the Emilio Romagna area in Italy originally and very rare in Australia. It has been made using methode champenoise – the traditional method.
There are a variety of tasting experiences available at the Cellar door including a ‘Grazing & Tasting Flight’ at $15 per person where guests are offered a choice of up to 4 wines paired with a grazing board of local produce – cheese, olives, charcuterie, seasonal fruits and gourmet crisp bread.
A ‘Taste of Italy Tour’ at $65 per person runs for 1.5 hours. Start your Italian journey amongst the vines with winemaker – Mark Cumbers and learn why Vineyard 28 grows these Italian varieties. Then get a behind the scenes at the winery. Taste and learn how wines are aged in barrel and match these with food. You will receive a complimentary bottle of your favourite wine on conclusion.
Vineyard 28 will again host its annual Quilt Exhibition over the Easter Weekend featuring new quilts from owner Pippa Nielsen and from other local quilt makers. There will also be textile works from Yvonne Chapman. Exhibition will be Sat 11th April through to Monday 13th April – 10am to 5pm each day.
Times are a changing at Barton Jones Wines
Preeti and Brad Coughlan took over the running of the Barton Jones vineyard in 2018 and have just had their first vintage in 2020. They have a unique eco sustainable cellar door, constructed from hay bales with a skate ramp roof with solar panels and rainwater collection system.
The space lends itself to live music, art and dining. There have been upgrades both inside and out since they’ve taken over and a lively events calendar is in place which you can follow on Instagram.
They promise “warmth and hospitality and good vibes” at the cellar door. “Rufus and Rosie the cellar door dogs love our visitors and posing for the camera!” Preeti says.
“We serve light meals at the cellar door, as well as coffees and cakes which are in- house made. Our platters showcase the local producers we are lucky enough to have on our doorstep.”
They are also transitioning to a new brand to reflect their ownership- “Coughlan Estate” making premium boutique wines, hand made from some of the oldest plantings in the region (1978).
http://www.bartonjoneswines.com.au
Wines with Bling at Willow Bridge Estate
Willow Bridge is one of the region’s largest wineries (along with Capel Vale Wines) and holds a 5 Star Halliday rating. Willow Bridge is owned by the Dewars family and has been a great success story, now producing about 25,000 cases a year.
The Dragonfly range which includes Shiraz, Cabernet and a Sauvignon Semillon blend has the happy knack of winning trophies and medals year after year as well as being very well priced at just $22 per bottle. The ‘Solana Geographe Tempranillo’ is one of my favourites at RRP $30.
Winemaker Kim Horton came to Willow Bridge after working in Margaret River. He has been impressed with Geographe. “There are magnificent vistas and vineyards. There is a great variation in the sub regions of Geographe.”
“We are discovering the nuances of each. People have noted the similarity of the region to the Iberian Peninsula which is why people are looking at the possibilities of trialling different varieties.”
Willow Bride was voted ‘Best Large Cellar Door 2019’ by Gourmet Traveller Wine.
http://www.willowbridge.com.au
From Found Magazine
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