- Monday 22 January 2018
- Written by Admin
Heathcote has plenty of passionate producers to share the story of its ancient soils, diverse wines, welcoming cellar doors and paddock-to-plate lunch spots. Hallidays has mapped out an insider guide to help you plan a visit to the region, described by Wine Australia as the new jewel in the crown for wine in Victoria.
A number of our wineries after currently being featured by Halliday.
Richie Condie at Condie Estate says: "Heathcote is a region with a lot of passion and character. I advise seeking out the smaller producers – most are open weekends – drop in, taste their wines, talk to the winemaker (who will probably be the owner) and immerse yourself in the experience. We produce quality, small-batch wines southwest of Heathcote on Wild Duck Creek. We grow our fruit organically, make our wines in a low-touch way and love to share our winemaking expertise. Our flagship wine is shiraz, but we’re also passionate about sangiovese and viognier."
Luke Lomax and Steve Johnson of Devil's Cave Vineyard explain: "The warm, Mediterranean climate and ancient soils of the area provide a great growing environment for our vines. We aim to craft wines with purity and character, reflective of the site and the vintage the fruit was grown. We avoid high-alcohol wines when the season allows it. Minimal-intervention winemaking lets the place shine through. As for other places to check out, the best wine bar in town is The Wine Hub (their coffee is pretty good too). Another family favourite is Fetching Treasures Café – they do a top breakfast and lunch."
Philip Meehan of Meehan Vineyard says: "Our cellar is actually a part of our barrel room. What better place to taste our wines than in the heart of the action? The vineyard backs onto the O’Keefe Rail Trail that runs from Bendigo to Heathcote, and you can access it directly via a path from our cellar door. Our shiraz, the William Estate in particular is a must-try when you visit, plus cabernet sauvignon and tempranillo."
Stephen Shelmerdine of Merindoc Cellar Door & Bistro says: "We offer a very diverse line-upStephen Shelmerdine of Merindoc Cellar Door & Bistro says: "We offer a very diverse line-up of wines from two very different sites, including everything from riesling to viognier, chardonnay, rosé, sangiovese, nebbiolo, SGM, cabernet sauvignon, sparkling reds and whites, and, of course, shiraz. Also on the way are albarino, fiano, pinot grigio, tempranillo and montepulciano. The Bistro showcases the best of the region with a seasonal menu featuring produce from our kitchen garden and locally sourced products. Add a garden setting, with a covered verandah, magnificent vineyard views and stunning rocky outcrops, and you have an unbeatable experience. If you had to suggest just one of our wines, it would be the Merindoc Old Vines Single Vineyard Shiraz."
Mark Hunter of Sanguine Estate says: "The greatest strength of the Heathcote wine region is its sMark Hunter of Sanguine Estate says: "The greatest strength of the Heathcote wine region is its small, passionate, family owned businesses, which as well as wineries includes several wine bars and cafes. The Heathcote Harvest Produce Store and Café – run by Lyndal and Steve Buth at their farm located behind Sanguine Estate – is a great example of the small businesses that make our region sing. Their paddock-to-plate philosophy makes them a popular dining destination. Situated in the heart of Heathcote on the region’s famous Cambrian earth, Sanguine Estate boasts a winemaking history dating back to the 1860s, a beautiful and scenic terrace, and guided tasting experiences in the thick of the winery."
Tobias Ansted of Tellurian says: "Our Cambrian soils are some of the oldest in the world, but our region is relatively young. The trailblazers of the 80s, 90s and 00s who put Heathcote on the map are now handing over to the next generation, resulting in fresh takes on the classics, as well as more medium-bodied reds and aromatic whites. Our winery is like a large country shed with a great timber deck, so you can sit out in the fresh air and taste our wines overlooking the vineyards. We are happy to arrange a tour of the winery by appointment for those who love to explore behind the scenes. We are focused on wines from southern Rhone and southern Italy. We have three beautiful expressions of shiraz, and an award-winning line-up of grenache, fiano and nero d’Avola."
Mario Marson of Vinea Marson says: "Inspired by vintages in Piedmont and Tuscany, Vinea Marson was established on the rich Cambrian soil of the Mount Camel Range in 2000 to grow Italian varieties sangiovese and nebbiolo, as well as estate wines such as shiraz, viognier and a delicious, dry rosé. We’re distinguished by the multi-clonal plantings at our Heathcote estate, which produce sangiovese and nebbiolo of depth and complexity. These are complemented by the Heritage white wines, including prosecco, the Grazia blend and an orange Friulano, which pay homage to five generations of winemaking history in Friuli, north-eastern Italy and Australia. At the cellar door’s family table, visitors are able to enjoy these elegant and savoury wines the way they are intended – in good company and with antipasti, estate-grown olive oil and cheese including our ‘Drunken Buffalo’ encased in nebbiolo skins."
Have met with Cliff Richards regarding RSL participation/support of concept for In Their Footsteps book.
Cliff has given his backing to the concept. Regarding contribution, Cliff has advised that RSL in past has not made financial contributions to book publishing but on this occasion, believes way forward is that completed project is handed to RSL for publication and ongoing sales with the content also available for use in developing digital and other platforms contained in the new museum.
I have also made a formal application for use of Centenary of ANZAC logo.
On basis of Cliff’s response, the project request from council would be $8000.
Happy to further advance
Regards
Chris