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'Some photos from our U3A Christmas Break Up at King River Cafe in Oxley. The owners of the cafe did an amazing job feeding and watering our group of 72. We celebrated Claire's Birthday during the lunch. We all enjoyed the lunch and the opportunity to be bussed there by Benalla Bus Lines. Thanks Nicole and Corrie for organising this function to end a successful U3A year.' Facebook Post w Photographs, Bev Thornell, 25 Nov 22.
Our last group outing for the year and we were off to Rutherglen, Andrew Buller Wines to be exact. Andrew and his wife, Wendy, were very gracious hosts and their wines extremely enjoyable. Andrew is from the Buller family of winemakers and he and Wendy bought their winery in 2015. In their lovely old home they have converted the front rooms into a cellar door. Had the weather been co-operative we would have been sitting out under the rather grand old trees. We started off with a traditionally made champagne, followed by a chardonnay, pinot grigio, a delicious sparkling shiraz liquored with rare Muscat – definitely a purchase - two reds and finished off with a Tawny, Tokay and a Muscat. Most of us clinked back to our cars for lunch at Footsteps Cafe (previously The Pickled Sisters) at Cofields winery. The cafe has a very interesting menu, beautifully presented dishes and wonderful service. A great way to end our year. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Bev for all her wonderful photographs and to the entire group for making each month a very happy day out. Photographs: Bev Thornell I look forward to meeting up with you again next year.
Nicole McFarlane Photographs: Bev Thornell The sun gods were with us for September’s winery outing and driving through the green countryside was a perfect start to our day. We visited Ferraro Winery at Myrtleford, hosted by Tony and Josie Ferraro in their rustic cellar door, who were very generous with their hospitality. Their wines were very typically Italian and along with the lovely platters of antipasto, with homemade pancetta and salami we had a most enjoyable morning.
The cellar door looked out over lucerne paddocks and the vineyard. After much purchasing, we headed back home and stopped at the Milawa Pub for a congenial lunch. Next month will be our last group outing and will be held at Andrew Buller Boutique Winery, 352 Jacks Road, Rutherglen. Andrew Buller is a third-generation winemaker from the Buller Winemaking family Est. in 1921 in Rutherglen. He and his wife started this winery in 2015. Lunch is booked for Footsteps Café in Colfields Winery, Rutherglen. Meeting behind Aldi at 10am and RSVP to me at nicnakmac90@gmail.com or phone/text 0428 696 408 by Sunday 23rd October. Nicole McFarlane On a rather cold wintry day our small group of intrepid wine tasters (someone has to do it) set off for Indigo Winery at Upper Everton. Rob, the owner was very welcoming and outlined the start of the vineyard and that they now have 46 Hectares planted to grapes and also grow their own pork and lamb. The wines are true to high altitude type and we tasted 5 different varieties. The staff was very knowledgeable and keen to enlighten us of the awards some of the wines have won. We then motored further up the road to Beechworth and had a very enjoyable lunch at the Beechworth Pantry. Always lots of laughter and interesting discussions.  Next month we are off to Myrtleford to Ferraro Wines, 16 Clancy Lane, Myrtleford. Ferraro Wines is a boutique winery and produces Merlot, Barbera, Sangiovese, Nebbiolo, Rose, Vermentino and Sauvignon Blanc. Lunch will be at either Milawa Pub or King River Cafe at Oxley. Meeting behind Aldi at 1000 and RSVP to me at nicnakmac90@gmail.com or phone/text 0428 696 408 by Sunday 25th September please. Nicole McFarlane Photos: Bev Thornell
On a rather foggy morning, 19 of us travelled south on the freeway to Fowles Winery at Avenel. The cellar door and restaurant have undergone a massive renovation/new build with windows looking out to the Strathbogie Ranges. Having perched ourselves at the bar, we proceeded to taste up to 10 different varieties of red, whites and rose wines, all grapes grown on their 350-acre vineyard and made by Matt Fowles. Katey, our host, was very knowledgeable about the wines and happy to discuss them with us. Photographs - Bev Thornell We then wandered into the amazing restaurant, again with floor to ceiling windows looking out over the paddocks to the ranges, and had a very delicious lunch accompanied by equally delicious wines. The staff was very friendly and attentive.
Next month on 24th we off to Indigo Vineyard, 1221 Beechworth-Wangaratta Road, Everton Upper followed by lunch at the Beechworth Pantry, 77 Ford St. Meeting as usual behind Aldis at 1000. Please RSVP by Sunday 21st via nicnakmac90@gmail.com or phone/text 0428 696 408. Nicole McFarlane  June's visit was to Baileys Winery, which is now owned by Australian family company, Casella Wines. Seated at a long table inside the historic Cellar Door, beside the welcome open fire, we were treated to a long, leisurely Wine Tasting, under the tutelage of young Dylan. From the long list of excellent Baileys Reds and Fortifieds, some of which have won prestigious awards, the tastings offered were much appreciated by the group. The two Baileys Muscats were utterly luscious, especially the Rare Old Muscat! After this relaxing event, we drove into Glenrowan to lunch at the cosy Vintage Cafe, where we chose from the menu, waited on by friendly staff. Bev Thornell Next month on 27th July we are off to Fowles Winery, 1175 Lambing Gully Road, Avenel, for tastings and lunch. Meeting behind Aldi’s at 10.00 a.m. RSVP’s by Sunday 24th July to phone/text 0428 696 408 or email nicnakmac90@gmail.com. Nicole McFarlane
"On a gloomy, damp and cold day, how appropriate it was for our 13 strong U3A Wine Appreciation members to visit Baileys Winery in nearby Glenrowan. Seated at a long table inside the historic Cellar Door, beside the welcome open fire, we were treated to a long, leisurely Wine Tasting, under the tutelage of young, affable host Dylan. From the long list of excellent Baileys Reds, the tastings offered were definately appreciated by the group, while yours truly found the 2 Baileys iconic Muscats utterly delicious, especially the Rare Old Muscat. After this relaxing event, we drove into Glenrowan to lunch at The Vintage Cafe, where we chose from the menu and waited on by the friendly staff. In the (unheated!) retail shop next door, we browsed Vintage finds, local artefacts and of course the usual array of touristy Ned Kelly items. Thanks Nicole, for organising today's Wine Appreciation." Bev Thornell, Facebook post, 22 June 2022
This month our journey was slightly further afield to Campbell’s Winery at Rutherglen. There were many wines available for tasting, but sadly for some of our members the Robbie Burns Shiraz 2018 was off the list. The staff described it as the best in 20 years, so they are withholding many bottles for a special release down the track. Five minutes down the road we came to our lunch venue, The Other Place cafe. We enjoyed our meals in their lovely courtyard and many stayed on to chatter and window shop.  Next month we are off to Baileys@Glenrowan, 779 Taminick Gap Rd, Glenrowan followed by lunch at the Vintage Hall Café, 54 Gladstone St, Glenrowan.
Meeting behind Aldi’s at 10.00 a.m. RSVP’s by Sunday 19th June to phone/text 0428 696 408 or email nicnakmac90@gmail.com. Nicole McFarlane "Our convenor, Nicole, had cleverly timed this month’s outing in the Rutherglen Region on the cusp of Winter, an opportunity to stock up on those luscious Reds and fortifieds to combat the cold months ahead. Campbells of Rutherglen is a fifth generation family owned winery, established in 1870. The region continues to receive international acclaim for the ‘world’s richest wines’ from wine writers, merchants and consumers alike. Campbells is one of Rutherglen’s original muscat and topaque producers. Its large, Commercial Winery is very popular with visiting groups. We were only one of three groups there. Most of our group paid for a tasting; the others took advantage of the warm fire to chat. After purchases had been made, we drove on to Rutherglen Main Street for an al fresco lunch on the patio of The Other Place Café. We were a larger group than average, so we kept the staff busy, but we all had time to socialize over lunch, before checking out the local shops. Thanks Nicole, for arranging this month’s outing." Bev Thornell, FB post, 25 May 2022 La Cantina winery were our hosts for this month’s outing held at their beautiful stone cellar door. Linda Cortini imparted her extensive knowledge of their organic wines. As there are no preservatives in their wines the fruitiness comes through more strongly. We then journeyed to our lunch venue - King River Cafe - and enjoyed a wonderful lunch and each other’s company. Our next outing is to Campbells Winery at 4603 Murray Valley Highway Rutherglen. Lunch venue is still being explored. Meeting behind Aldi’s at 10.00 a.m. RSVPs by Sunday 22 May--phone/text 0428 696 408 or email nicnakmac90@gmail.com. Nicole McFarlane Photographs: Bev Thornell
 On Wednesday 23 March, 19 of our members arrived at the family run Politini Winery in the Upper King Valley Cheshunt and were greeted by Lidia Politini. We were seated in a lovely sunny courtyard looking out onto gardens and a tree studded green lawn. We commenced our tasting with their Prosecco, which is slightly drier than the average, and progressed through seven other varieties of whites and reds, all from Sicilian grapes. We enjoyed hearing about the history of Lidia’s family, how they arrived as migrants and have built the winery into its current success. There are plans afoot for a new cellar door Next month’s outing is to La Cantina Winery at 54 Honeys Lane, King Valley then onto the King River Café at 1143 Snow Rd, Oxley. Meeting behind Aldi’s at 10.00 a.m.
RSVPs by Sunday 24 April--phone/text 0428 696 408 or email nicnakmac90@gmail.com. Until then, stay safe and enjoy yourselves. Nicole McFarlane "U3A Wine Appreciation this month met at Politini, in the Upper King Valley at Cheshunt. This small, family-run boutique winery, "Where Sicily meets the King Valley", is blessed with the ideal climate and granite soils to enable production of excellent Italian and French wines. As the winery is currently under expansion and reconstruction, we were seated outside under shady umbrellas, under the watchful eye of Spoodle, Tilly. Our group was welcomed by Lidia Politini, daughter of Sam, and offered tastings of their whites and reds, including the signature Prosecco, which apparently is better served in specially designed Prosecco glasses. Lidia was an excellent speaker, regaling us with stories of the Politini family history: from newly-arrived migrants to successful wine producers. After a long, leisurely hour, we drove back to Cheshunt for a light lunch at The Oven. Thanks to our convenor, Nicole, for organising this pleasant outing." Bev Thornell Source: U3A Benalla Facebook Post
 A very leisurely and enjoyable experience. Our first outing for 2022 was on a perfect autumn day. Fifteen members headed to Pizzini’s winery where we were shown to our tasting table, beautifully set with an array of glasses, and outside overlooking the grounds. Our sommelier, Chas, introduced himself and then proceeded to impart his expert knowledge of Pizzini wines and make suggestions for wines to taste. We started with five La Famiglia Wines that were fabulous for everyday drinking and one from their Special and Rare wine selection. Alfredo and Katrina Pizzini planted the first vines on the property in 1978, then in 1994 the first wine under the Pizzini label was produced. We then moved to the Mountain View Hotel where we sat out in the garden under the shade of the established trees. The wait staff were very friendly and the service was good and food excellent – very large servings. A very pleasant way to spend the day. On 23rd March we will be heading to Politini Wines at 65 Upper King River Road, Cheshunt and lunch at The Ovens, 451 King Valley Rd Cheshunt. Meeting in the car park behind Aldi at 10.00am. Please let me know if you are coming on 0428 696 408 or nicnakmac90@gmail.com by Sunday 20th March. Nicole McFarlane "The U3A Wine Appreciation group met for our first outing in 2022. Pizzini Winery in the King Valley was our destination and as usual it didn't disappoint. For $10 a head, we sat under the veranda and sampled several from the extensive list of Pizzini wines, including their pricier Italian varietals. We learnt that the King Valley soils and climate are perfect for producing the delicate Tuscan-style wines the Valley is renowned for. Most of us left with a wine bag on our arm. It was only a short drive back to Whitfield Mountain View Hotel for al fresco lunch under the welcome shade of the trees...washed down with another glass? Thanks to our new Convenor, Nicole, the day went smoothly. We look forward to next month's class." Bev Thornell, FB post Bev Thornell
PLEASE NOTE - A change in plans for our winery visit this month.
The new venue is PIZZINI WINES, 175 King Valley Road, Whitfield. The tasting is set up for a seated experience. There are a range of tasting options starting at $10 for their Everyday Italian Wines. If you have a particular wine you would like to taste, please let me know when RSVPing! So that Mario can have it available. We will then make our way to the Mountain View Hotel, 4 King Valley Rd, Whitfield. Lunch is in two sittings and we are booked for 1315. (awaiting confirmation at time of writing). Meet at the tennis court car park in Barkly Street behind Aldi at 9.45 am. Please contact Nicole by Sunday 20th February to let me know if you will be attending as I need to confirm numbers with both venues. I can be contacted on 0428 696 408 or email nicnakmac90@gmail.com. Look forward to seeing you. Nicole Welcome back and welcome to our new members. Our first wine tasting for the year will be held on Wednesday 23rd February at Delatite Winery, 390 Pollards Rd Mansfield.
I have booked the option that is a hosted wine tasting of around 5-7 wines at $10.00 per head and the Courtyard menu which includes Antipasto platter, a selection of Flatbreads and a Salad at $45.00. There is an undercover area should the weather be inclement. It is necessary to pre-pay for our food component ($45) by 18th February. This can be left in an envelope marked U3a Wine Appreciation group and your name please at Read B4 Bookshop next to Hides Bakery. A 25% discount applies to wine purchases for any guests who are active Summit Club members or anyone wishing to join. Meet at the tennis court car park in Barkly Street behind Aldi at 10.00 am. Please contact Nicole by Friday 18th February to let me know if you will be attending. I can be contacted on 0428 696 408 or email nicnakmac90@gmail.com. Nicole McFarlane The Wine appreciation group organises U3A Benalla's Christmas Luncheon each year. This year 63 members enjoyed a delicious meal and wonderful company at the beautiful Chrismont winery in the King Valley. Click on the photo to see the slideshow and report!   What better way to spend a perfect Spring day than to visit Sam Miranda Winery, Oxley. Our U3A Wine Appreciation group met there for our Wine Tasting and lunch. It was such a busy day for the venue that our habitual informative talk and Wine Tasting was unexpectedly brief. However, we all enjoyed being out again as a group that we felt compensated. The delicious Italian food and new Italian wine varietals were much appreciated. Thanks to Meg Dillon for stepping in for Heather and Keith, who were unable to take charge or to attend, due to ill health. Bev Thornell There will be no November U3A Wine Appreciation, as our U3A Christmas breakup lunch will be held next month. Details and attendance forms are included on the next page. This year the lunch is being held on a Tuesday not a Wednesday, and the forms are due on Wednesday 10th November, not at Meet and Mingle. The contact person for bookings for the lunch is Corrie Witlox – phone 5762 8225. Our trip to Sam Miranda's Winery in Oxley had to be postponed for the third time in late September. Hopefully we will be able to meet there in October, the weather will be kind so that being outside is a possibility, and it will be 'fourth try lucky'! All being well, we will meet at the usual place, but an hour later, at 10.30 am on Wednesday 27 October.
Chrismont Winery has been booked for the U3A end of year celebration on Tuesday 23 November. The cost of the 2-course meal will be $50 and the bus fare $10. The bus will leave the Benalla Bus Lines depot at 11.00am. There will be an application form and more details in the November newsletter. Keith & Heather Rogers 5762 4086 Our trip to Sam Miranda's Winery in Oxley has had to be postponed for the third time. Hopefully we will be able to meet there in October, the weather will be kind so that being outside is a possibility, and that it will be 'fourth try lucky'!
Heather We are going to Sam Miranda Winery, Oxley, in late September. This is our third try, so we do hope it goes ahead this time! We will meet at the usual place, but an hour later, at 10.30 am.
Chrismont Winery has been booked for the U3A end of year celebration on Tuesday 23 November. The cost of the 2-course meal will be $50 and the bus fare $10. The bus will leave the Benalla Bus Lines depot at 11.00am. More details in upcoming newsletters. Keith & Heather Rogers 5762 4086 The Wine Appreciation visit to the Sam Miranda Winery in Oxley on Wednesday 28th July has been postponed because of lack of certainty as to lockdown provisions commencing that day. Even if restrictions are eased, it is likely there will be limits on group numbers able to attend The visit will now be held on Wednesday, 25 August, Covid regulations permitting.
Heather and Keith Rogers 5762 4086 0429 876 999 This Wine Appreciation outing was actually a Research Project! Were those glowing Facebook reviews of Warrabilla Wines really accurate? Well, our group, armed with clipboards and learned expressions, in the end had to agree; those reviews were indeed well deserved.
Seated at long, beautifully crafted tables made from slices of polished Red Gum, we were welcomed by the friendly, enthusiastic Cellar Door team of Laura and Deb, who shared their extensive knowledge of wines and winemaking with us while we sampled generous samples of each varietal, all meeting with nods of approval. Even Keith, nurturing a bandaged hand, was still able to raise the odd glass or two. Now for the History and Technical Stuff… A family owned and run affair in Rutherglen, Winemaker and owner, Andrew Sutherland Smith and his wife, Carol, started Warrabilla in 1991. The Cellar Door was opened at its current site west of Rutherglen five years later. The Winery prides itself on producing robust reds of distinction, particularly its flagship Durif. With an annual crush of approximately 150 tons of fruit each year, Warrabilla Wines’ low yielding vines (1.5 to 2 tons per acre) ensure maximum ripening and concentration of colour, flavour and tannin. Whilst the wines are designed for long term cellaring, they are also well balanced and (fortunately) easy to drink at an early age. Andrew’s skills as a Winemaker have been recognised many times in Wine Shows around Australia, with a string of trophies and medals to his credit. Now for Lunch…The U3A group was now in a mellow mood and ready for lunch. The Rogers had chosen the Stonegrill Restaurant in Corowa’s Hotel Australia. Crossing the Border proved hassle-free and the venue in the Main Street easy to locate (unlike the Winery location for one missing carload!) The Hotel is historic and the main dining room, with its original stained-glass windows, warm and cosy, but due to group numbers, we had to be seated in a side room. Most of us were happy with our meal choices from the blackboard Seniors Special options. Thanks to Keith and Heather, our hard-working convenors, U3A members enjoyed yet another Wine Appreciation outing. Bev Thornell Coming up in July – We are going to Sam Miranda Winery at Oxley next month, Wednesday, 28th July for tasting followed by lunch. Because we are only going to Oxley, we will leave a little later at 10.30. Heather and Keith Rogers 5762 4086 Pfeiffer Wines is a family owned and operated winery, located in the Rutherglen Wine District. Its historic, century-old cellars are nestled the banks of Sunday Creek. Pfeiffer Wines strives for success in producing quality wine, offering great customer service and promoting the Rutherglen Region as Australia’s premium and most versatile grape growing area. Father and daughter winemakers, Chris and Wine Award Winner Jen Pfeiffer produce 28 varieties of premium, handcrafted wines, crisp whites, full-bodied reds and the acclaimed Muscats and Topaques. Our large, genteel group of 20 was greeted by Sideen, Cellar Door Manager, and then ushered through the cellar doors into the warm and welcoming tasting room, where we perched on stools set around old wine barrels. As we were keen to learn about and appreciate the wines grown and produced here, we welcomed tastings of each variety, discovering which were our favourites. Sue, the Wine Club Manager, was on hand to assist and advise. Purchases were carried back to the cars, to be consumed at leisure. Food and Wine are a suitable pairing, so a short drive to the Pickled Sisters restaurant at Cofield Winery was an appropriate follow on. Two long tables accommodated our group, for a long, relaxing a la carte lunch, accompanied by local wines.
Thanks to Keith and Heather, our hard-working convenors, U3A members enjoyed yet another Wine Appreciation outing. * Next month’s visit: To Be Advised. Hopefully, it will be Longleat Winery at Murchison. To confirm this and book your place, please contact convenors Keith & Heather Rogers 5762 4086 closer to the date. Bev Thornell Our last trip on Wednesday 28 April was to Dal Zotto Winery, with lunch at the popular Whitfield Hotel. The weather was magnificent all day and the drive to Whitfield revealed vegetation in all its resplendent Autumn glory. The attention we received from Stephanie at Dal Zottos’ was friendly and informative. We were treated to a large range of white and red wines which appealed to most people's palates. Our meal at the hotel was served outdoors in the delightful garden. Next Meeting – On Wednesday May 26 we will visit Pfeiffer Wines, located on the large sweeping bend at 167 Distillery Road, Wahgunyah, Victoria.
There will be a tasting fee at Pfeiffers of $10 per head, refundable on purchase of $80 of wine per couple. Please have money ready at the car park. Lunch will be at The Pickled Sisters attached to Cofield Winery. Meet at the tennis court car park in Barkly Street behind Aldi at 10 am. Please contact Heather or Keith by Sunday 23rd May to let us know if you will be attending. Keith and Heather Rogers 03 5762 4086 or 0429 876 999 |
About the Wine Appreciation Group
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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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