This month we will be off to visit La Cantina Winery in the King Valley on Friday the 16th of May. This is a family-owned vineyard with a long Italian heritage. The Corsini Family have been farming in the King Valley for about 60 years. The wines they make are a little different in that they are preservative free, meaning no hang over, well maybe a smaller hang over depending how much is drunk. There will be a tasting fee of $5.00 for those tasting, payable on the day.

Following the tastings, lunch will be at the Mountain View Hotel a short drive away in Whitfield. The hotel is owned by the Pizzini family who also own a winery in the region. For those who have never eaten here the food is of a very high standard at reasonable pub prices.

The group will be meeting at the Benalla Seniors and Community Centre car park at 10.00 am as usual before proceeding to the winery. 

Garry Smith

A long table was beautifully set up along the decking overlooking the King River ambling by, green lawn stretched down to trees lined river completing the picture-perfect views.
The weather was fine for our outdoor lunch. I don't know how they managed it, but our hosts apparently arranged for annoying insects to stay away for the afternoon. The wines were many and varied, including one made by Ross and Meghan’s 8-year-old daughter - it seems the families wine making passion is in the blood. 

There will not be a wine appreciation outing for April due to both Easter and Anzac Day falling on Fridays. The next one will be on May 23, venue to be confirmed, so stay tuned and all have a wonderful Easter!


Garry Smith

Garry Smith

We are into a new year and as new convenors we are excited and a little scared about organising the first outing for the year.

​It is planned for Friday the 21st of February with wine tasting at Taminick Cellars followed by lunch at Mokoan Hub Cafe.

As usual it is planned to meet at the seniors' carpark at 10 am. Lunch is booked for around 12 to 12:30.

We hope to see as many of the regulars as well as lots of new faces. Further detail and reminders will be provided closer to the date.

Garry and Caroline Smith

Following Nicole’s final newsletter report as Convenor of Wine Appreciation last month, our avid photographer Bev Thornell posted on FB that the group had a most enjoyable lunch at the King River Café on Friday 22 November, where Heather Rogers

​....“thanked Nicole for doing such a sterling job of plotting a year of monthly Winery/Cafe outings”.

Following the U3A Benalla Christmas Lunch on Friday 29th November, Bev posted:

“The U3A break up at Euroa’s Seven Creeks Hotel was a great success, thanks to Nicole.
We all enjoyed a 2-course meal (with drinks!) and a lot of socialising.

Wilma Green had organised a lovely card and present for Nicole, on completing her final year as Wine Appreciation Convenor.  As you can see in the photo, Nicole was thrilled with her gorgeous hand-printed silk scarf.

​In 2025, Nicole will be handing the baton to Gary and Carolyn Smith. We are all looking forward to another year of Wining & Dining under their leadership.”

Thank you so much Nicole, for convening the Wine Appreciation Group for the past three years, and thanks also to Bev Thornell, for your atmospheric photographs of Wine Appreciation’s winery visits on Facebook.

​"As our October Wine Appreciation day unfortunately had to be cancelled, Nicole kindly organised a November lunch at King River Cafe in Oxley. Twenty U3A members enjoyed a delicious 2-course, plus coffee, lunch...drinks extra!. The noise level rose in the crowded cafe, as we caught up with members we hadn't seen for two months. On behalf of the Wine Appreciation group, Heather thanked our Convenor, Nicole, for doing such a sterling job of plotting a year of monthly Winery/Cafe outings. 

Sadly, our outing on Friday 18th, our last one for the year, had to be cancelled due to the weather forecast of severe storms.  

So, I have organised lunch at King River Café in Oxley on Friday 22nd November at 1200.  If you haven’t already advised me that you are coming, could you please let me know by Sunday 17th.

We will meet at the Café. 

As you know I have decided to ‘retire’ from Convening this Group.  I have had a great time and enjoyed every one of our outings and being with you all. 

Good news is that we have new Convenors for the Group for 2025.   They are Gary and Carolyn Smith.   Thank you very much both of you for putting your hands up.

​Nicole McFarlane

​Our morning of wine tasting on Friday 20 September was held at Morrisons of Glenrowan, situated on the slopes of the Warby Ranges.  The cellar door is located high on the property, surrounded by a lovely native garden and has magnificent views over the countryside.  It is hard to believe it was once a quarry.     Diane made the first vintage in 1999 and in 2001 both Diane and Bob completed a 12 month wine making course. Their production has increased from 60 litres in 2000 to 8000 litres today.   There are three whites and a Rose, many varieties of reds, a Muscat and Tawny Port.

Both Diane and Bob are welcoming and informative hosts.

After tasting and purchasing many wines, we made our way to the Vintage Hall Café and with 27 in the group we rather took over the café.   The staff are friendly and the food very good.
 
Our October visit on 18th is to Michelini Cellars, 213 Great Alpine Road, Myrtleford.   There is a $10 tasting charge and I would appreciate you having the money to give me when we meet in the carpark because to hold the booking, I have had to pay when confirming the numbers.      We then move onto our favourite place, the King River Café in Oxley.  Lunch is alternate drop main and dessert for $36 including good coffee to finish!!
As this will be our last outing as a group for the year, and my last one as Convenor, I look forward to seeing you all.
 
We will meet in the Seniors car park at 10.00.          RSVP by Sunday 13th October by text to 0428 696 408 or email [email protected].   Until then, stay safe and have fun.
 
The Convenor position is still open.   A little history about this group – it started 25 years ago and has run continuously since (except for Covid).   I really need someone to step up and take it on, two would be good.   It is not hard.  I tend to spend a couple of hours at the end of January researching cellar doors, email them with proposed dates and when that is confirmed contact somewhere local for lunch.    


Nicole McFarlane

​​Our August adventure was to Red Feet Winery in the King Valley.   After battling heavy rain, we arrived at the cellar door situated on the top of a hill with a magnificent view over the valley had it not been raining!!!
 
The winery started in 2010, when Megan and her two brothers started planting three rows of Sangiovese and every year have added a few more.  Currently, they have 1.2 acres of Sangiovese, 0.6 acres of Nebbiolo, a little Tempranillo and Zinfandel.
 
Vince was our host for the day and started us with a lovely Riesling ending with a good Shiraz, having tasted a lot more in between!!   Although the day was cold and wet, the cellar door (a large lined shed) was very comfortable with a lovely log fire.

We followed this by lunching at the Mountain View/Whitfield hotel which, as always, served a delicious lunch.   Again a cosy atmosphere with a log fire and good company making for a very pleasant day.
 
Next month, Friday 20th September, we are off to Morrisons Winery,  30 Kays Lane, Glenrowan, followed by lunch at  the Vintage Hall Café in the main street of Glenrowan.
 
Meeting in the Senior’s Car Park at 1015  -  RSVP to me at [email protected] or text 0428 696 408 by Sunday 16 September.
 
PS. 2025   As much as I have enjoyed convening these outings and spending time with such a great group of people, I am unable to do so next year.  Therefore, I am asking you to consider taking on this position.   It would work well with two people.   Any questions please contact me.   I look forward to being rushed off my feet!!!

​Nicole McFarlane

Friday 19th July saw us trekking to the high country (rugged up) to Delatite Winery at Mansfield.   The new cellar door is architecturally designed and striking with views over the valley and as far as Mt. Buller when there is no mist!  There was a very long list of wines – we had to choose five for tasting, a rather difficult decision.   Our very delightful host, Renata, spoke to us about the wines, how they are grown using biodynamic principles and made with minimal intervention. ​

​We then moved to the Delatite Hotel in Mansfield for a very enjoyable pub lunch.

On Friday 16th August we are off to Red Feet Winery at 49 Cemetery Lane, King Valley.   This will be followed by lunch at the Mountain View Hotel, Whitfield.

Meet in the Seniors Car Park at 10:15 am. Please RSVP by Sunday 11th  August to [email protected] or text to 0428 696 408.


Nicole McFarlane

​On a lovely crisp! sunny Friday in June we ventured forth to the Ovens valley, specifically to the Eagle Range Estate Winery.    Situated on the side of a hill, we had a lovely view over the valley while we enjoyed our tasting.

Our very personable host, Frank, explained how he makes his wines without any additives.  He has different varieties that he grows, two of which are the lesser known Saperavi and Montepulciano, along with Merlot, Cab Sav and Shiraz, the latter two being vegan friendly.  His Riesling was quite unusual and very enjoyable. 

Our next winery visit on Friday 19th July is to Delatite Winery, 390 Pollards Rd, Mansfield with lunch to follow at the Delatite Hotel.

We will meet in the Seniors Car Park at 10.00.     Please let me know by Sunday 14th July if you will be coming, RSVP to [email protected] or text 0428 696 408.

Nicole McFarlane

​​Our visit this month was to a little known boutique winery called Willem Kurt, just outside of Beechworth.  Set high on a hill with great views, Daniel the owner, labourer and winemaker told us the history of his vineyard.  

Having worked in the Yarra Valley and at Gapsted winery he wanted to branch out on his own, and so in 2017 purchased the land and started planting his grapes.        

He makes four styles of wine, Vermentino, Chardonnay, Rose and Syrah with Sangiovese coming soon.

Our very enjoyable lunch was had at the historic Nicholas Hotel that has an amazing collection of old Beechworth photos.   A bit of retail shopping followed.
 
Next month we will be visiting Eagle Range Estate Vineyard at 228 Happy Valley Road, Ovens, with our lunch being free choice in Myrtleford.

Please RSVP by Sunday 16 June on [email protected] or text 0428 696 408. Meeting in the Seniors car park at 10 am
 
Nicole McFarlane 

I thought last month’s winery visit was really, really good, but this month, at Buller’s Winery, was excellent.   Again another beautiful day and standing in the sun we were entranced as Peter, our host, gave a very interesting and informative talk about the beginnings of the winery.  The first plantings were in 1920 and today, over half of those original plantings are still producing intensely concentrated low yielding fruit that is the hallmark of the Buller Wines portfolio.   There was a great selection of wines available for tasting and as we wandered into the original winery, a few bottles came along too!! This is where they now age their fortified wines and also have a gin distiller.

​​Lunch followed at Poachers Paradise Hotel on Main St Rutherglen, seated on their deck.  A wide ranging menu with everyone enjoying the meal they had ordered.   Clean plates were evident!!

On a glorious Autumn day, we headed north to de Bortoli Winery in Rutherglen.   What a wonderful old Heritage building it is having been built in 1886, huge beams and pillars.   We were sat at tables in the art gallery section and looked after by two very knowledgeable and welcoming ladies, Beth and Bernie.    The wines are of Italian varieties, with a really enjoyable Prosecco that many of us purchased.    We then wandered up the road to the Pickled Sisters Cafe and, as always, had a delicious lunch.  

​Next month we will be going to Buller Wines, 2804 Federation Way, Rutherglen on Friday 19th April.  There is a $10 tasting fee.   As yet I am unable to confirm a lunch venue, but it will be in the email reminder I send around.
 
Meeting as usual in the Seniors Car Park at 10.00am.   Please RSVP by Sunday 14th April.


Nicole McFarlane

​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
​

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

​​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

​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