We will leave the car park at 10.30. We will be dining at the Winery from an a la carte menu.
Convenors: Keith & Heather Rogers 5762 4086
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We have booked into Sam Miranda Winery for our first outing on Wednesday, 26th February.
We will leave the car park at 10.30. We will be dining at the Winery from an a la carte menu. Convenors: Keith & Heather Rogers 5762 4086 On a perfect Spring day in late October, the U3A Wine Appreciation group (minus group organisers the Rogers, who were away) assembled at the wonderfully situated Gapsted Winery near Myrtleford. Our numbers were down, but winemaker Tony was happy to outline the 25-year history, workings and varietals of Gapsted Winery.
The cool climate, long ripening period and high rainfall of the Alpine and King Valley Regions assist in the production of high quality, luscious whites and refined reds, which include some newer Italian varietals. We were happy to taste any on offer and perhaps buy samples. The view from the Cellar Door's expansive dining veranda, overlooking the vineyard across to the distant hills, was so picturesque, we were reluctant to leave. Lunch at the nearby Savoy Club in Myrtleford completed a sociable day for us all. Next month, the U3A Christmas break-up replaces our normal Wine Appreciation outing. Our Christmas luncheon will be held at the Goorambat Railway Hotel on Wednesday November 27th. Lunch & Bus $40 - Lunch only $35. A form is included with this newsletter. For further information or to RSVP, contact Heather Rodgers 5762 4086. Bev Thornell This month's U3A Wine Appreciation group met at Anderson Winery in Rutherglen. Opening in 1993, experienced Winemaker Howard Anderson and his daughter Christobelle make a wide range of small batch hand-crafted premium wines. With only 8 high yielding hectares of vines, using no imported grapes, and more importantly, minimal irrigation, Anderson creates superbly refined red wines, plus some whites...and a rather smooth Muscat! We enjoyed socialising in the wine cellar, tasting and buying. Then our hungry group drove to the nearby historic town of Chiltern. Lunch was served in the small dining room of the partly renovated Telegraph Hotel. Thanks to duo Heather and Keith Rogers, we enjoyed another day out. Bev Thornell Coming up on Wednesday 23rd October - Gapsted Winery, near Myrtleford; lunch at a local hotel. Meet at the carpark behind Aldi at 10.00am as usual. Please contact either Heather or Keith Rogers on 7562 4806 no later than Sunday prior to the activity for catering numbers to be finalised
The U3A Wine Appreciation group met at Myrtleford's Michelini Wines, in the Alpine Valley wine region. Four generations of Michelini, beginning with newly arrived migrant Eno, from Italy's Trentino region, have crafted a variety of cool climate red, white, and sparkling wines, including new Italian varietals, from extensive vines in the Buckland Valley. We were warmly welcomed inside the Cellar Door and offered wines to taste, plus an outline of the long history of Michelini Wines. Once outside, winemaker Matt pointed out the machinery and storage vats used in wine production, followed by a glimpse of the tiny lab room and its instrumentation. It was a happy and relaxed group who decamped to the nearby Cafe Fez, with its iconic, colourful Moroccan decor. An extensive Middle Eastern menu offered us a multitude of mouth-watering watering choices. Unfortunately, there was little time afterwards to browse the vast array of handicrafts and furniture in the rear showroom. Full marks to Heather and Keith, for today's choice of venues
Bev Thornell Coming up on Wednesday 25 September - Anderson's Winery, Rutherglen, followed by lunch at a pub in Chiltern. Meet at the usual time of 10 am at the car park behind Aldi. Please contact Keith and Heather by the Sunday beforehand to assist with catering bookings. Keith & Heather Rogers 5762 4086 In late July the U3A Wine Appreciation Group visited Jones Winery & Vineyard in Rutherglen. Whilst perhaps not as well-known as other local Wineries, nevertheless this Winery was first acquired in 1927, and subsequently managed by six generations of the Jones family. Now, manager Arthur and his winemaker sister, Mandy, create superb French style wines, red and white, and several fortified, all made from their vines planted more than 112 years ago. Our group was welcomed into the charming, heritage listed Wine Cellar Door by our host Laura, who was kept on her toes offering wine tastings, whilst sharing information on the winery. We were charmed by the rustic Cellar Door and its Dining Area. Equally charming was the whimsical and imaginative Garden Art on display outside. The adjacent Gallery housed more of local Helen Hay's work. Our group was treated to another example of local historic buildings, as we lunched at the iconic Poachers Paradise Hotel. Enjoying the ambience, great food, charming and efficient service in this historic Hotel, topped off an enjoyable day out. Heather and Keith - you had researched and planned this day for us to enjoy. Thank you so much! Bev Thornell Coming up on August 28 – Myrtleford’s Michelini Winery and Café Fez
The Wine Appreciation group is going to Michelini Winery in Myrtleford in August. Please note that that Michelini may charge a tasting fee of $2.50. For lunch…“We hope to dine at Café Fez, which is part of the Red Ramia establishment. It gets good reviews.” Meet at the tennis court car park (behind Aldi) in Barkly Street at the usual meeting time of 10 am. Please ring Heather and Keith on 5762 4086 by Sunday 25 August to enable catering numbers to be finalised. Heather and Keith Rogers In late June the U3A Wine Appreciation group met at Indigo Vineyard, located at Everton Upper, on a perfect winter's day. This Vineyard, which James Halliday has rated a 5-star winery, has 46 hectares planted to 11 different varieties of grapes. Settled into the cosy wine tasting veranda, host Alan explain that the Vineyard has two different labels, Blue and Red. Grapes are sourced from their own vineyard, supplemented from their Cowra Vineyard. We were treated to generous samples of these wines, plus plates of nibbles. Reluctantly, we tore ourselves away from this welcome space to drive to Wangaratta, and lunch at the modernised RSL Hotel by the river. Thanks again, Heather and Keith, for (at last) scheduling a visit to Indigo Vineyard. Well worth a visit, readers! Bev Thornell On July 25th we will visit Jones’ Winery & Vineyard, 61 Jones Road, Rutherglen.
Jones' Winery, one of the oldest and smallest wineries in the Rutherglen District, was established in 1860 by a German migrant named Fritz Ruhe. Lunch will be at a nearby venue : to be announced. Meet at Aldi Car Park at 10.00 am as usual. Ring Heather & Keith Rogers : 5762 4086 by Sunday, 21st July. *Please note: It is important for those intending to join Wine Appreciation outings to ensure that they notify the Rogers AT LEAST 3 days prior to the day, to enable catering numbers to be finalised. B Keith & Heather 5762 4086 Heather Rogers is most concerned that Wine Appreciation members are informed that the time of 9.30 am recorded in the newsletter and website calendar for Wednesday 26th June's trip to Indigo Wines is incorrect - the meeting time is 10 am. We have changed the time to 10 am on the web site calendar. Could you please share this news with friends from the Wine Appreciation group? We hope you have a wonderful day!
Media Team Back from their month 'up north', Keith and Heather Rogers are busily making arrangements for the next Wine Appreciation visit on Wednesday June 26. They are checking out the anticipated winery, 'Indigo Wines' which in near Everton en route to Beechworth from Benalla and considering the Everton Pub as the lunch venue (apparently the meal there was very good last time). Pencil these in to your diary and keep an eye on the website for confirmation. Meet at the car park behind Aldi at the customary time of 9.30 am, but again, check the website or call Keith and Heather for confirmation.
Keith and Heather Rogers 5762 4086 U3A Wine Appreciation group met in late April at Pizzini’s Cellar Door in the King Valley, a very picturesque and productive area. Pizzini has an attractive new cellar door and landscaped gardens, ideal for hosting their regular special events. Our group lined up at the counter for Caroline to pour tastings of Pizzini's extensive range of white and red wines. Selections of these accompanied us home. Nearby Mountainview Hotel was the venue for an al fresco lunch in ideal weather. We all agreed the food was delicious and service friendly and efficient. Keith asked our group to pause for a toast to our late co-organiser, Noel, who will be missed. Thanks Keith and Heather...you've done it again! Bev Thornell Wednesday 22 May
We will visit Morrison’s Winery at Glenrowan, followed by lunch at the Glenrowan Pub. Meet at 10 am in the car park behind Aldi. Heather and Keith Rogers 5762 4086 April 24 –Pizzini Wines at King Valley. Lunch at the Mountain View Hotel. Departing 10am Barkly St Car Park behind Aldi.
May 22 -- Ciavarella Oxley Estate Winery, Oxley. Lunch at King River Cafe. Meet at 10am for 10.15 start at the Barkly St car park behind Aldi. Keith & Heather Rogers 5762 4086 The Wine Appreciation group visited Warrabilla Wines in Rutherglen on 27th March. Owned and run by Andrew Sutherland and his wife Carol (with occasional assistance from Bear the grape-eating dog) the winery has been running for 23 years. Its main flagship are the award winning Durif, Cavernet Sauvignon and Shiraz, but we found that the Riesling and Muscats are pretty good too! Deb and Carol poured us samples of their wines and many bottles of these samples headed home with our group. Lunch was held at the iconic Pickled Sisters Restaurant at Cofield Winery, where we appreciated the excellent food and coffee. Thanks Keith for organising this enjoyable day out in a popular tourist area...Rutherglen. Bev Thornell Photographs: Wendy Sturgess and Terry Dillon
Welome to another year of interest with our Wine Appreciation group. It is good to see several new enrolments.
Wednesday 27 February 2019 Meet at 10.00 am for travel to Tallis Winery at Dookie. Lunch will be a selection of shared platters. Wednesday 27 March Meet at 10.00 am to travel to Warrabilla Winery, Rutherglen, previously visited in 2011 and home to some powerful reds. Lunch at Pickled Sisters. We will continue to meet at the tennis court car-park site behind Aldi’s. Phone Noel 5762 3149 or Keith & Heather 5762 4086. In most instances we confirm meal bookings the previous Sunday night. La Cantina Winery, visited in late October, has an interesting family history; Gino Corsini, father of Peter & grandfather of Reuben, migrated from Bagni Di Luca, Tuscany to Australia in 1952, aged 19 years. The wine making techniques follow the traditional Corsini Family traditions, with no preservatives added and no filtration, retaining the full characteristics of each wine. The interesting Cellar Door building was built by Gino & Carmel Corsini in 1997 from Glenrowan granite rocks in traditional Tuscan style. Marg Walshe
Meet at 10.00 am on Wednesday 24 October for a leisurely drive to La Cantina Winery in the King Valley.
Lunch at the Moyhu Hotel. This group outing completes our 21st year of activities. Noel Meagher On the 26th September Benalla U3A's Wine Appreciation Group revisited Longleat Winery at Murchison. In 2004 Guido and Sandra Vazzoler bought the property, where they now produce 6 red and white high quality wines. On a perfect Spring day, we were all seated on the veranda, where we listened attentively as Guido explained how quality wines are created. Obviously a high degree of techical skill and knowledge of winemaking is a prerequisite. Our group was given tastings of each of the 6 varieties, then Sandra, herself an experienced cheesemaker, served us platters of tasty antipasta, which included some of her cheeses. To top off a perfect day, we were served Italian slices with coffee. As a postscript, Guido and Sandra will be running organised Food & Wine tours to Italy's Verona region. Bev Thornell Photographs - Bev Thornell and Marg Walshe
Wednesday 26 September
Meet at 10.00 am and travel to Murchison for a visit to Longleat Wines. Lunch on site Noel Meagher, Keith and Heather Rodgers
Thanks to Bev Thornell for this Facebook entry and the wonderful photos.
Wednesday August 22nd
Meet at 10.30 am to go to Baddaginnie Run. Lunch will be available on the property – places are restricted to 25. Book in early with Keith and Heather if you wish to have lunch. Keith & Heather 5762 4086 Wednesday 25 July 2018
Meet before 10.00 am for travel to Rutherglen and cellar door of Rutherglen Estates. Lunch is at Hub Sixty Two in Chiltern. Keith/Heather 57624086 Noel 57623149 Louise Doddrell at our visit to Brown Brothers, Milawa in late May--Photo: Margaret Walshe Wednesday 27th June
Meet at 10.00am in the carpark for travel to Mansfield and Delatite Wines. Lunch in town to be confirmed. Wednesday 25 July 10.00 am meeting for travel to Rutherglen and visit Rutherglen Estates, the largest wine producer in the area. Lunch at Tuileries café. Noel 5762 3149 Keith & Heather 5762 4086 Photograph of our April trip to Pfeiffers Winery, Rutherglen by Terry Dillon. Wednesday 23 May
Meet at 10.30 am in the carpark for visit to Browns Milawa winery. Lunch will be a 2-course at King River café. Wednesday 27 June Meet at 10.00 am in the carpark for travel to Mansfield and Delatite Wines. Lunch in town to be confirmed Keith & Heather 5762 4086 Photographs - Margaret Walshe A very surprised Louise Doddrell received a life membership presented by Noel at our 21st anniversary celebrations at Gracebook winery in late March! Louise was the inauguaral convenor of Wine Appreciation in 1997 and continued in this role until 2013.
Wednesday 25 April Anzac Day. Meet at the tennis court car park behind Aldi in Barkly Street at 10.00 am to travel to Pfeiffers winery at Rutherglen where our last visit was eight years ago. Lunch is at the Pickled Sisters café. Keith & Heather 5762 4086 We have reached a milestone and celebrate 21 years of U3A Wine Appreciation. Founding convenor Louise Doddrell led the way for many years. A few of us can remember our first visit in February 1998 to Auldstone Winery when we took a picnic lunch.
We will meet at the car park at 10.00 am on Wednesday March 28 and travel to Gracebrook Vineyards for wine tasting and lunch to mark the 21st Anniversary Celebration. All U3A members are welcome to join us. Keith & Heather 5762 4086 Noel 5762 3149 26 members took advantage of our February outing when we visited the Amulet winery at Tarrawingee. There had been a significant refurbishment of the facilities since our last visit some years ago. The winery is situate on a 650 acre bush holding where 22 acres are devoted to vines. The tastings were of a number of top quality red and white wine varieties and I’m sure that the sales which eventuated were satisfactory to the proprietors. Lunch was enjoyed at the Plough Inn at the Tarrawingee township and a good day was had by all. Ray O'Shannessy Photographs - Phyllis Doxey
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About the Wine
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Developed and maintained by members, this website showcases U3A Benalla & District.
Photographs - U3A members; Benalla Art Gallery website; Weebly 'Free' images;Travel Victoria and State Library of Victoria
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