Cheers for hares at Denver

An extra attraction in October is the romping of black lambs in the vineyard. “City people can get a country experience, as well as the wine.”

We turn to the name of the winery. There’s a lot of red, in the autumnal leaves and the soil. There are hares in the vineyard. Apparently, they keep down the rabbits and their young, they have no scent to draw the vineyard’s two dogs.

Grapes were first planted here by John Fontanella about 17 years ago, says Peter. Just over two hectares are under vine and another 2.4 hectares are being planted. One vineyard has pinot grigio and pinot gris and another the only prosecco in the shire, he says.

“This is one of the highest (level) proseccos in Australia. The cool climate means the grapes ripen extremely slowly, leading to subtle wines.” His new vines will be gamay and pinot noir.

The wine is, he says, “a reflection of us: very fresh and not sweet…”

Having just had 14 people pick four tonnes of grapes last weekend, Peter gets a hearty laugh out of the notion of the romance of wine. “You’re asleep by six.”

Next day the aching muscles and backs are memorable. But worth it.

Words: Kevin Childs | Image: InkdFoto Advertorial