THE ART OF THE SCENT

Lara Antonelli-Leorke @pentopapermedia

The cooler seasons invoke scents from spiralling wood fires, earthiness from fallen oak leaves, and crisp eucalyptus breezes. With these aromas come emotions; every smell has a story and every tale is as individual as the person smelling it. Of the five senses, smell is scientifically proven to be most closely linked to memory, so it is little wonder we are so ardent about the scents we dab onto our skin.

The wearing of perfume is steeped in nostalgia; the power to evoke a person, a place, a time. The ancient practice of perfumery has been around for 4,000 years, from smoking incense to distilling oils from flowers, the literal meaning of distillation is: ‘the extraction of essential meaning or important aspects’. This definition eloquently epitomises the array of local retailers whose carefully curated perfumes are well worth the trip to our region.

In Daylesford, Harry & Me boasts an enviable list of perfumes, including one they have stocked for nearly 12 years. Eight & Bob is a brand seeped in American history glamour. Created in the 1930s by French aristocrat Albert Fouquet, the story goes that Albert created a signature scent that he refused to market. He then met John F Kennedy in 1937 in Côte d’Azur and JFK was so captivated by the fragrance that he asked Albert to send him eight samples and “one for Bob”. Not realising the ‘one’ he was referring to was JFK’s brother, Robert Kennedy, Albert sent the bottles and labelled them ‘Eight & Bob’. Popularity of the fragrance grew as high profile Americans starting sending order requests. When WWII hit, the last shipment was sent to America hidden in books whose pages had been cut to fit the bottles; and this is how the perfume is presented today. Harry & Me also stocks Nasomatto (Italy), Orto Parisi (Italy), WA:IT (Italy & Japan), Maison Rebatchi (France) and Carner (Barcelona).

nature and the intangible essence of eternity. Manteau Noir also stocks French perfumes from Trudon, Matiere Premiere, P Frapin & Cie and Mizensir, alongside Keiko Mecheri from California.

Think Alike in Woodend stock Loess, created by a Sydney-based duo who focus on natural, high-quality, vegan and cruelty-free ingredients, housed in gorgeous 100% recyclable bottles. As well as Mihan Aromatics by a Melbourne-based couple whose fragrances, like the effervescent ‘Sienna Brume’, aptly capture poolside daydreaming.

Kabinett in Kyneton has accentuated the burgeoning movement of distilling, and in perfect harmony with their plant-filled cocktail bar, Botanik, emphasise immersion and nostalgia on a grand and contemporary scale. The superb selection of perfumes garnered from around the world is like a hidden gem at the core of Kabinett.

The selection is impressive and notable options include, P Frapin & Cie founded in 1270 in France and renowned for their cognac distillery that has continued for over 20 generations. Their inspired perfumes are sought after and each scent bestows upon the wearer a sense of history only the Grand Champagne region can offer. There is also Naomi Goodsir, a French-based Australian born creator of niche fragrances that elicit goosebumps with every sniff. Utilising smell as an extension of her universe, the collection includes some interesting and exquisite notes.

Kabinett also stocks Ormaie (France), BDK (France), Memo Paris (France) and Via dei Mille (Italy).

Manteau Noir in Daylesford has a stunning perfumery section akin to an antique apothecary. Stocking an array of perfumes that will ignite your olfactory nerve, the selection also includes Fueguia 1833 founded in Buenos Aires. The collection is a tribute to the indigenous communities who are the guardians of the aromatic and medicinal plants; an ode to our connection with

Other options around the region include Woodend General and The Green Store Trentham, both of whom stock Mimosa Botanicals handcrafted in Castlemaine. The Woolshed Kyneton stock Beso Beach and Carner. The Farmer’s Wife in Daylesford stock Essential Parfums Paris, Bon Savvy, Cra-yon, The Perfume Oil Company, Vanessa Megan and Nina Bailey. Portal 108 in Hepburn Springs stock Bopo Women and Narrative Lab.

Read more about the many frangrances found wihtin our region at daylesfordmacedonlife.com.au.

Photo: Memo available at Kabinett. Photography by Lara Antonelli-Leorke

The Macedon Ranges is arguably Australia's coldest grape growing region and is very well regarded for its pinot noir.

This multi award-winning pinot noir was grown and hand-picked on the Hanging Rock Winery estate vineyard. The cooler nature of the 2021 vintage means the wine has an elegance to it, along with floral notes and a great structure and length.

HANGING ROCK WINERY

88 Jim Road, Newham, Vic @hangingrockwinery

Available for purchase at our cellar door or online: hangingrock.com.au/wines

HANGING ROCK WINERY

2021 MACEDON RANGES PINOT NOIR

RRP $35