NNNorthern Valley News
Norcia • Regans Ford • Wannamal
Page 12-13
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Old vine discovery
Dan & Gail Bam and grandson Andrew Amos
21
2013
Bullsbrook Rodeo results
Looking Back on 2012
January
Bindoon • Bullsbrook • Calingiri • Chittering • Gingin • Muchea • Mooliabeenie • New
Jackie Shervington When Gail & Dan Bam purchased the 100 acre ‘Glenowen’ property in Bindoon in 1996 they had no idea about winemaking, just a lifelong desire to farm and enjoy a country life. Despite several attempts in his twenties to become a farmer, Dan was destined to enjoy a successful career as an engineer for many years but the desire to farm never left him. “I knew I would need a project when I retired in future years. I like golf but you can’t do that 7 days a week. At the time, a friend said to us when you find the property that is yours you’ll know it is yours.” ‘Glenowen’ named after Owen Road which was named for Owen Glover, was to be theirs. “The property had a little cottage and was pretty run down but it was fantastic, we did it up. We would leave Perth on a Friday afternoon and come for the weekend”, recalls Gail. As a bonus the farm also came with vines that they have since discovered could be almost 90 years old. According to some of the elderly locals “they have always been there”. One variety of rootstock is thought to be Iranian, and was possibly brought in during World War I. As a purely commercial venture, these old vines would have been pulled out a long time ago. When they bought the property, Evans and Tate had a contract to buy all the grapes. In 1998, their winemaker won a best Shiraz award using the fruit from Glenowen. Dan and Gail learnt what they could from the winemaker, even making their own small batch of wine for friends, using the traditional method of stomping the wine. Gail recalls, “There was grape everywhere”. It was so much fun”. Despite the win, Evans and Tate wanted to drop the price for the fruit the following year. Dan refused to accept and within six months they came back, prepared to pay more. Too late; Dan and Gail were on a journey of discovery and had decided to pick their own grapes and start their own label. Gail and Dan knew nothing about winemaking but they were excited at the prospect of learning more. They teamed up with Swan Valley Wines who agreed to make a small batch, and they have been happy working with them ever since. Recently, they launched their own Rosé. A perfect summer drink, Rosé gets its colour from the skins of the Shiraz. (with just 1 day on the skins before racking off). Continued page 2
GINGIN
$540,000
Gingin
BEAUTIFUL COUNTRY HOME The home has plenty of space and includes 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, large country kitchen, open plan lounge/dining and separate activity room. Features include stainless steel kitchen appliances, solar hot water system and reverse-cycle air conditioning. There is a massive enclosed Colorbond shed with two roller doors and an office, plus an open-ended shed that is high enough to accommodate a boat.
8717sqm adjacent to the sports ground with subdivision potential. Substantial three bedroom one bathroom brick and tile home, kitchen, dining/ lounge with bar, built in robes, garage, enclosed verandah. Shed good value.
Tom Cabassi 0429 095 864
4 Brockman Street, Gingin WA 6503
Ph: 08 9575 2566 Fax 08 9575 2568
$490,000
E: cabassirealty@bigpond.com W: www.cabassirealty.com
BINDOON
$530 000
3.5 ACRE
10 Pioneer Drive, $530,000, 3.5acres
Charming Cape Cod style home with magnificent views is a gardener’s paradise. 3x2 cedar & iron, new kitchen, a/c, wood heating, wood floor, great entertaining, large shed. Could be set up for B&B or great family home.
BINDOON
$470,000
3.8 ACRES
24 Pioneer Drive, $470,000, 3.8 acres Comfortable 4x2 hardiplank & iron home on picturesque block. Ducted evap aircon, wood heater, large shed, great entertaining with fabulous views.
Liz Connell Realty, 27B Binda Place, Bindoon, WA 6502
P: 08 9576 0626 M: 0428 836 856 E: liz@lizconnellrealty.com