As usual I will need RSVPs by Sunday 10th March by email or text to 0428 696 408 please.
We will meet in the Seniors Car park at 10.00am.
Nicole McFarlane
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Our first outing for the year, 32 of us ventured forth to Squires Winery at Esmond outside of Yarrawonga. Situated on the banks of the Ovens River, tables are set out under the gum trees on the lawn or on the raised deck, as well as, long tables inside which was where we enjoyed our wine tasting and fabulous lunch. Paul Squires has a laid back attitude to wines and life and with a sense of humour made the day relaxing and very enjoyable for us all. They have only been open for three years and the tasting room/restaurant is in Paul’s converted tractor shed! The wines vary from Prosecco to Reserve Durif and in Paul’s words ‘ they are not snobby wines, just wines to be enjoyed’. It was great to see many new faces in the group. Next month, 15th March, we are off to de Bortoli’s Wines, 13-35 Drummond Street, Rutherglen and lunch at the Pickled Sisters cafe, 121 Main Street, Rutherglen. There will be $10 tasting charge and 10% discount on purchases. As usual I will need RSVPs by Sunday 10th March by email or text to 0428 696 408 please. We will meet in the Seniors Car park at 10.00am. Nicole McFarlane Photographs this month - Andi Stevenson, Denise Jarvis, Nicole McFarlane, Wendy Sturgess
Keith Rogers, who passed away on December 18 2023, was a member of U3A Benalla from 2013 to 2023. A lover of fine wines, Keith for many years co-convened Benalla’s Wine Appreciation group with his wife Heather and Noel Meagher. The following presentation, which begins with a photograph taken at Booth's Winery, Taminick,in September 2016 and concludes with a group photo taken in April 2023 at Gapsted Winery, reflects upon Keith's contribution to Wine Appreciation, both as a co-convenor for many years and in later years as a group member. RIP Keith. Photographs - Bev Thornell, Terry Dillon, Andi Stevenson, Bev Lee.
Welcome back and welcome to our new members. I look forward to exploring new wineries and eateries in North East Victoria with you.
Our first sojourn will be on Friday 16th February to Squires Winery at 6900 Murray Valley Highway, Esmond (Yarrawonga). After the tasting we will have lunch in their onsite restaurant overlooking the river. Our meeting place is the Senior’s car park at 10.00am. If everyone could meet there this month until I know how many will require a lift, it would be appreciated. Please reply by Sunday 11th February either by return email or phone/text 0428 696 408. Nicole McFarlane On Friday 20th we travelled to Rutherglen for our last group outing this year. We were off to Chambers Rosewood Winery established in 1858 and being run by 6th Generation winemaker Stephen Chambers. Held in their rustic cellar door, they have 32 wines available for tasting, however, 10 were selected for us. Among them was the 2016 Sparkling Gouais. The Gouais grape is picked from 120 year old vines which is a parent grape to Chardonnay and Riesling. There were several other whites, reds, Muscat and Topaque. A very relaxed, informative and enjoyable tasting. Then off to Quartz Cafe for lunch at Cofield winery. We have had a fun year, tasted some very interesting wines and made new friends. I hope all enjoyed themselves and I look forward to catching up at our first outing in March 2024 . My thanks to Bev Thornell for her photography and posts on Facebook throughout the year. Nicole McFarlane Our morning of wine tasting was held at Gracebrook Winery located in the lovely King Valley. Set on the side of a hill, the cellar door is in the old converted stables and we looked out across the vineyard with the vines just barely coming into bud. There was much clinking of bottles as people headed for their cars – so the wines were good. Lunch was at the Mountain View Hotel in their very relaxing garden. October (20th) winery is Chambers Rosewood Vineyard on Barkly St Rutherglen. Our Tasting is booked for 1100 and there is a $5 tasting charge. Lunch will follow at the Quartz Cafe in Cofields Winery (previously called Footsteps) 341 Distillery Rd, Wahgunyah. This will be our last outing as a group until March 2024 so I look forward to catching up with you all and our wayward travellers. We will meet in the SENIORS car park at 10.00. RSVP by Sunday 15th October to phone/text 0428 696 408 or email [email protected]. Until then, stay safe and have fun. Nicole McFarlane *Photos of Gracebrook Winery and the Mountain View Hotel selected from Bev Thornell's Facebook post on February 15 September: "U3A Wine Appreciation group drove up to the beautiful King Valley, to visit Gracebrook. This winery would have to enjoy the best views of the hills and mountains, rising from the fertile King Valley. After a wine tasting at the long bar, built from one slice of local Stringybark, we had time to sit out on the terrace to drink in (sorry!) the view. The winery was previously the 110 year-old rustic Gracebrook Stables, so it has capitalised on the historic ambiance. The owners, David and Rhonda Maples, have run Gracebrook for over a decade and their hospitality is legendary. Gracebrook does offer lunches, but Nicole had booked our sizeable group in to nearby Mountainview Hotel, where we were seated out on the terrace. It was a perfect day to dine al fresco. Thanks Nicole for organising the day out (it wasn't her fault one carload managed to get lost en route)." Bev Thornell, FB, 15 Sept.
We headed south to the Strathbogie region and Maygar Hills winery with its spectacular vistas punctuated by rocky granitic outcrops. Our host Jenny, was so welcoming and gave us a short history of Lt. Maygar, the name behind the winery. Lt. Maygar was born on 26 May 1872 at Kilmore. He enlisted in the Victorian Mounted Rifles to fight in the Boer War. He arrived in South Africa in March 1901 and was immediately involved in several heavy actions. In August his column transferred to Natal and was constantly in action against strong Boer commando forces. It was during one of these intense actions that Maygar was awarded his Victoria Cross. Maygar Hills produces red wines and has won multiple trophies. We tasted the 2018 and 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon and 2019 Reserve Shiraz. Sadly the vineyard has been sold and so there are limited stocks now available. Lunch was at Seven Creeks Hotel with its good food, friendly atmosphere and open fires. Next month we are off to Gracebrook Winery, 4446 Wangaratta-Whitfield Rd, King Valley followed by lunch at Mountain View Hotel, 4 King Valley Road, Whitfield.
Meeting in the Senior’s Car Park at 1015 and RSVP to me at [email protected] or phone/text 0428 696 408 by Sunday 10th September. Nicole McFarlane A very intimate and cosy wine tasting was held at Piano Piano Vineyard for our group. The vineyard is situated in the Everton Upper area where the climate is perfect for the many varieties of grapes grown – from a delicious 2021 Chardonnay and Pinot Grigio to a Reserve Merlot and Shiraz. Marc and Lisa were very generous hosts with Marc being the winemaker. Lunch followed at our popular King River Cafe in Oxley. On Friday 18th August we are off to Maygar Hills Winery, 115 Longwood-Mansfield Rd, Longwood East . The tasting is booked for 11.00 and lunch for 12.15.
Lunch is at the White Hart Hotel, 63 Hill St, Longwood. They are not doing lunches at the moment, however, for our group they are happy to open up. We need a minimum of 25 – so early RSVPs please – it will be alternate main drop for $30 with dessert, tea/coffee extra. Meeting in the Seniors Car park at 10.15 am. RSVP by Sunday 13th to [email protected] or phone/text to 0428 696 408. Nicole McFarlane The weather held for us thankfully on Friday 16th June as we set off to Anderson’s Winery at Rutherglen, established in 1992 by Howard Anderson. His daughter Christobelle, who had graduated with First Class Honours in Winemaking at Adelaide University, welcomed us to their cellar door. They are known, and have won many awards, for their sparkling wines and I can understand why. They are made in the traditional method and have the lightest of bubbles. There is a good selection of whites and reds with all grapes being grown on their eight and half hectare property. Our tasting was followed by a delicious lunch at Pickled Sisters in Rutherglen.
Next month’s visit on Friday 21st July is to Piano Piano Winery at 852 Beechworth-Wangaratta Rd, Everton followed by lunch at the King River Cafe in Oxley. Please note change of meeting place. We will now meet in the Seniors Car Park , same time at 10.00 am. Please let me know by Sunday 16 July if you will be coming. I notify our numbers to both venues on Monday morning. RSVP to [email protected] or text 0428 696 408. Nicole McFarlane A glorious day had 29 of us travelling to King River Estate Winery for this month’s tasting. In a delightful setting, Karen, one of the owners, led us on a ‘how to make wine’ trip which proved fascinating and informative. We tried many varieties of reds and whites, some of which had been produced from grapes grown on their Flying Duck vineyard next door. Lunch followed at the King River Cafe where once again, we were well looked after. Next month, Friday 16th June, we are off to Rutherglen. Andersons Winery, 1619 Chiltern-Rutherglen Rd, followed by lunch at The Pickled Sisters Cafe, 121 Main St, Rutherglen. If you will be coming, please let me know by the latest Sunday 11th June on [email protected] or text 0428 696 408. Meeting in the car park behind Aldi at 10.00. Nicole McFarlane Photographs: Bev Thornell
A perfect Autumn day with the trees in all their glory was the setting for our drive to Francesco Winery at Cheshunt. Jacob was our friendly host along with his Nona, Maria, who kept us supplied with salami, cheese and biscuits to enjoy with their delightful wines. There was a good selection of wines and many a box was carried out at the end of our tasting! Lunch was in the garden at Whitfield’s Mountain View Hotel where we all enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere and good food. Next month, 19th May, we will be off to King River Estate, 3556 Wangaratta-Whitfield Rd, Edi. The tasting is booked for 11.00 with a $10 tasting fee refundable on the purchase of two bottles of wine. We will then move on to the King River Cafe. If there are more than 20 of us attending lunch, there will be an alternating main course with tea or coffee at $28.00, and dessert if required on order for $9.00. As usual we will meet in the car park behind Aldi at 10.00. If you prefer to drive direct, please let me know. RSVP by Sunday 14th either by return email or phone/text 0428 696 408. Nicole McFarlane Photographs - Bev Thornell
A lovely morning of wine tasting was held at Gapsted Winery for our March outing where twenty five of us enjoyed the view across the vineyard, the good wines and great company. Paul, our Taster, was excellent at describing each of the wines we tasted. We then made out way to Café Fez in Myrtleford where we enjoyed a variety of delicious middle eastern fare. April’s (28th) winery is Francesco Wines at 1005 Upper King River Rd Cheshunt, an Italian family run vineyard. Our Tasting is booked for 1100 and there is no tasting charge. We will lunch at the Mountain View Hotel/Whitfield Hotel 4 King Valley Road, 3733 Whitfield. Please note: the hotel now has a new system re payment. Each table will be given a bill, no split payment , so I am guessing cash will be helpful. As usual we will meet in the car park behind Aldi at 10.00. RSVP by Sunday 23rd April to phone/text 0428 696 408 or email [email protected]. Until then, stay safe and have fun. Nicole McFarlane *Photos taken by Bev and Andi at Gapsted Winery and Cafe Fez sourced from Facebook "What a lovely day the Wine Appreciation Group enjoyed at Gapstead Winery in the Alpine Wine Region. Seated on the deck, with that wonderful view over the vineyard to the distant hills, we were given a tasting of 3 Whites and 3 Reds. Suitably educated, we made our purchases from the counter. It was only a short drive on to Myrtleford for lunch at Cafe Fez at Red Ramia Trading. It was very busy inside, but after a short wait we were all fed. Nicole, you did well organising this outing!" Bev Thornell, FB
"Lovely outing with U3A Benalla and District Wine Appreciation - tasting at Gapsted, lunch at Cafe Fez, then a quick wander through the ever amazing Red Ramia". Andi Stevenson, FB Welcome to our many new members. On one of the hottest days this summer, 35 of us made our way to Pennyweight Winery at Beechworth where the temperature was a few degrees lower, thank goodness. We sat out under their beautiful big trees in the paved courtyard and were looked after by Libby and Liam. We tasted two reds and whites and their delicious, fortified Pennyweight Gold aged in old oak casks for seven years. It can be enjoyed chilled as a delicious aperitif, a dessert wine or as a mixer with tonic, ice and lime – sounded good on the day! As there was a little bit of time to spare before lunch, several members took the opportunity to peruse the shops before going onto lunch at the Stanley Pub.
Once again, we were seated under trees and umbrellas on their expansive lawn. The menu is predominantly Asian with some usual pub food. I can’t speak highly enough of the staff who looked after us. They were always smiling and happy to help. Our March 17th our outing is to Gapsted Winery at 3897 Great Alpine Rd, Myrtleford and then onto lunch at Café Fez located at 145 Great Alpine Rd, Myrtleford. There is a $5 charge for the tasting. The tasting is booked for 11.00. As usual we will meet in the car park behind Aldi at 10.00. Please RSVP by Sunday 12th either by return email or phone/text 0428 696 408. Nicole McFarlane "U3A Wine Appreciation Group met at Pennyweight Winery's rustic Cellar Door in Beechworth. The small traditional, family run winery is biodynamic and organic. It produces table and fortified wines. Our large group of 37 had to be divided into 2 groups for wine tasting. Libby and Liam did an amazing job attending to us all. Liam gave me a short tour of the cool Wine Cellar, where the barrels of wine and spirits are stored and aged, so that I could share these photos. A short drive up to Stanley Pub for lunch followed. It was a very hot day, so we took advantage of the picnic tables under shady trees or umbrellas on the Pub lawns. Thanks to our convenor, Nicole, for keeping your large mob under control." Bev Thornell, Facebook post, 18 February 2023
Hello everyone and welcome back to our adventures in wine, food, friendship and fun.
Our first winery visit for 2023 is on Friday 17th February to Pennyweight Winery, a certified organic and biodynamic vineyard that have been crafting fine wine spanning four decades and three generations. They are located at 13 Pennyweight Lane, Beechworth. This will be followed by lunch at the Stanley Pub, 6-12 Myrtleford-Stanley Rd, Stanley. Meeting at 10.00 in the Barkly St car park behind Aldi. Please let me know by Sunday 12th February if you will be coming. You can RSVP to [email protected] or ph/text 0428 696 408. Look forward to catching up! Nicole '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 [email protected] 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 [email protected] 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 [email protected] 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 [email protected]. 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 [email protected]. 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 [email protected]. 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 [email protected]. Until then, stay safe and enjoy yourselves. Nicole McFarlane |
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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