Lots of Wine Appreciation members at this table! Click on photo to see more photos...
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This month we visited Booths winery at Taminick. the winery is 4th generation family owned vineyard, the cellar door was constructed of local stone in 1914 and remains pretty much as it was then. Peter and Jenny Booth hosted the tastings on numerous wine varieties all estate grown and made by James the great grand son of the wineries founder. as usual members participated enthusiastically in the tasting and purchased a few bottles to take home. The views across the Warbies from the cellar door are well worth the visit and for those keen on beer, the Black Dog Brewery is also housed at the cellar door. From the winery we moved on to The Vine Hotel just outside Wangaratta. The building predates Ned Kelly and there are stories of Ned frequenting the hotel, as well as hiding in the cellar to avoid troopers on more than one occasion. Many of the original features are still evident with lots of photos and other memorabilia to peruse. The food was excellent, and a good time was had by all. The next outing will be the U3A Christmas party 28th of November it is a bit later to avoid conflict with other U3A events. No wine tasting but lots of lovely food and drink at the Benalla Golf Club.
Garry and Carolyn Smith Another interesting outing to an area not known for its wines. Monichino's at Katunga have been making wines since the early 60s. The area is better known for grazing and fruit growing than it is for producing quality wines, but the Monichino family carved out a reputation for growing great wines in the rich soils of the area. The winery was established by Carlo an Italian immigrant and his wife Margaret in the early 60’s. Our tasting was hosted by daughter Anna and son Terry who currently own and operate the business. They hosted very enthusiastically with generous helpings and an extensive range of wines. Everybody had a favourite but personally the aged Muscat was a big winner, 40 year old muscat at a very reasonable price, matter of fact sipping on one as I write Sadly the family have recently removed the vines and placed the property on the market, an indication of just how tough the wine industry can be. They plan to continue the wine making tradition from another site. From Katunga we moved to the Goorambat Pub for lunch which was a real treat, the pub has been tastefully renovated, the food was wholesome and plentiful. Lots of banter and socialising as usual. Next month we will be visiting Taminick Cellars (Booths) winery at Taminick, This is a personal favourite of ours. A small family operation which retains a strong Italian culture of hospitality and lovingly crafted wines at bargain prices.
Lunch will be at the Vine Hotel, 27 Detour Road, North Wangaratta, another fantastic historic pub with a reputation for quality food, an extensive menu and affordable prices. More news will be coming via the newsletter, but the Christmas party has been locked in at the Benalla Golf Club for the 28th of November, that will also be be the Wine Appreciation November function. Garry and Carolyn Smith Our hostess Kate presented a fabulous setting at Dinah Wines, with checkered tablecloths on tables set up on a verandah with views over the area, and a bright sunny day. The array of wines and generosity of tastings was amazing and clearly appreciated by all who attended. The winery was a little different to many previously visited in that it is relatively recently redeveloped with the current owners purchasing the run-down vineyard in 2020. The new owners however have a strong family history in the region as part of the Buller family. They have done an amazing job of quickly establishing an interesting cellar door with great views and food offerings to come. It was tempting to dally at the winery for a bit longer, but we reluctantly began the move to our luncheon venue at the old priory in Rutherglen. The priory has recently been converted to include accommodation and a Mexican themed restaurant with interesting and varied menu options. The restaurant has a balcony with great views over the surrounding area, but with the weather turning cold, inside was the place to eat. A brewery was also part of the restaurant, with a wide selection of delicious beers also on offer. The next visit is planned for Friday 19 September. The venue is geographically different from our recent trips as we are heading to Longleat Cellar Door and Cafe at Murchison. Tasting will be laid on and a restaurant meal provided at the winery by their chef. Details of lunch are still being finalised, further information will be provided to members in due course . Garry Smith
In July we visited the Kooyonga Creek winery located at Moornag. The cellar door is a substantial building located on a rise with sweeping views of the surrounding countryside, a beautiful sunny winters day was on offer to enhance the views. Upstairs was an exhibition of paintings and sculptures, there were a number of interesting sculptures in the garden as we drove in. Our host Luis Simian is clearly a very talented wine maker judging from the enthusiasm with which the tastings were received and his extensive tour of the wine making process. The winery produces at least 11 different varieties of wines, all were available for tasting and most were tried by one member or other of our group. The tour of the wine making processes introduced us to the concept of maturing wines in large plastic vats instead of wine barrels, the oak flavours where necessary are imparted by using pieces or shavings of oak, a much more efficient way of imparting the flavours to the wine. All agreed The quality of the wine was certainly enhanced by the process and numerous bottles left the cellar door as we departed. Lunch followed at the Tatong Tavern. With open fires burning and the old world charm on display it was certainly an inviting atmosphere in which to round out the day. The food was tasty and the servings generous. As usual there was plenty of conversation and camaraderie. Our next outing is to Dinah Wines, a small family brewery owned and operated by the Buller family located at 199 Distillery Road Wahgunyah.
Lunch is a bit different - we have organised the Convent in Rutherglen for lunch which is food with a Mexican flavour. The restaurant as the name suggests is located in the old convent which has been recently renovated and includes a brewery for the beer lovers. Garry Smith Our June visit was to Juliard Winery just outside Beechworth. The winery is also the family home set in very rustic and picturesque surroundings adjacent to the golf course. Our host Julia and Bernard are clearly very passionate about growing vines in the most environmental friendly way possible with a minimum of human interference. The resulting wines are unique and very enjoyable judging by the amount of tasting and commentary from our group. June turned on a beautiful sunny day which everyone enjoyed while listening to Julia and Bernards explanation of the vineyard operation and approach to wine making. A tour of the Cellar was also part of the day and created a lot of interest. Lunch followed at the Plough Inn at Tarrawingee, this is a fantastic venue with a lot of history, allegedly it was one of Ned Kelly's regular haunts. No ghosts were detected but the building itself retains much of its original historic aura. The food was well priced and of a high quality enjoyed by all, as usual there was much chatter and laughter.Some stayers warmed themselves by the open fire with a cup of coffee. Photographs - Andi Stevenson and Bev Thornell Our next outing is planned for Friday the 18th of July at Kooyonga Creek Winery at Moorngag, for those who don't know (we didn’t) where Moorngag is, its a short drive from Swanpool. Lunch will follow at the Tatong Tavern a unique English style pub at Tatong. A room with an open fire has been reserved just for us.
Garry Smith 0428765591 It's that time again to organise yourselves for our next outing. The date is June 20 the venues are:
Juliard Wines--49 Alma Road Beechworth. The vines for this winery have been established on Sorrenburg vineyard estate by the daughter and son inlaw of the Sorrenburg owners. They have created their own label “Juliard” using vines grown on the estate. We will be hosted on the Sorrenburg estate and treated to a tour of the winery and cellars, with tasting set up in the cellars. The Sorrenburgh wines (which we wont be tasting) are apparently very well known and respected high end wines so wines produced on the same estate by family members should be something special Afterwards lunch will be at the Plough Inn, 2322 Wangaratta Beechworth Road, Tarrawingee. Carolyn and I have been there before, the venue is great and the food even better. As usual if you could let us know the Friday before if you would like to attend, that is by Friday the 13th (those who are superstitious can let us know by Saturday the 14th) Garry Smith 0428765591 This month we visited 'La Cantina' winery in the King Valley. The Cassini family have been making wine the same way for three generations in Australia and many more generations before that in Tuscany Italy. Originally the wine was only made for consumption by family and friends until Gino decided to “go public” in the 60’s. The wines are made using traditional, preservative free methods. At least in theory no preservatives means less chance of a hang over. We didn’t test the theory, but enough wine was purchased to test it at home. The group had a very enjoyable time sitting in the beautiful winery garden while Linda served generous tastings of various wines. Everyone was so settled that we were a little late for our 12:30 luncheon booking at the Mountain view hotel just down the road in Whitfield.
As always, the food at the Mountain View view was superb. The restaurant is owned and operated by another well known local winery family the Pizzini. The interior of the hotel retains an ambience reflecting over 100 yeas of history Garry Smith 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 This month’s outing was to Gehrig’s winery at Oxley. the winery established by John Gehrig in 1976. Gehrig’s have another winery in Rutherglen and more recently purchased Mt Prior vineyard, which they plan to turn into a tourist venue. For something a little bit different we also organised lunch at the winery provided by King River Cafe. Meghan, the wife of John Gehrig’s son Ross, was our host for the day, organising the wine tasting and the lunch. 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 The first outing for the year reminded Carolyn and I why we took the Convenors' role on. A positive and happy group of people always up for a chat and out to enjoy themselves. Baileys provided a great setting with lots of history. Varley Bailey purchased the land in 1870 and produced the first wine in 1880, the year they hanged poor Ned. Some of the buildings date back to those early days and there are some interesting museum pieces in the Tasting area. Everyone seemed to enjoy the various wines on offer and several of the group left with boxes of wine in hand The lunch venue at Mokoan Hub is spacious with great views over lake Mokoan. Everyone seemed to enjoy their meal and there was lots of conversation. Our next outing is planned for 28th of March - note the change of date from the original schedule. We will be visiting John Gehrig Wines at Oxley, with wine tasting from about 11 am and a meal provided on site for $20 per head. The venue is in a beautiful setting and lunch will be on the deck overlooking the gardens. Menu offered is Beef Lasagne or Mushroom and leek risotto 2 types of salad Green salad and Pumpkin and pine nut spinach House made Bread Garry Smith Photos: Bev Thornell (U3A Benalla Facebook Page)
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.     In 2025, Nicole will be handing the baton to Gary and Carolyn Smith, who are pictured above with Nicole (middle). We are all looking forward to another year of Wining & Dining under their leadership.
Bev Thornell" (From Facebook) 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. (Click on photograph to see full image) 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.  "Tempranillo was Andi's choice of wine!" Nicole McFarlane Photographs: Bev Thornell
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 Bev's visit photo gallery and notes on May's visit from our Facebook page... "This month, the U3A Wine Appreciation group visited a little-known Winery, Willem Kurt Wines in the Beechworth Region. At 600m above sea level, this small family-run boutique winery produces award winning cool climate wines. Accompanied by the proverbial friendly winery dog, we all squeezed into the small Cellar Door for tastings of Chardonnay, Vermentino, Syrah and Rose, introduced by our host, Owner/Winemaker Daniel Balzer. The extensive views from the Terrace stretched as far as Mt.Buller (on a clear day!). It was only a short return drive to Beechworth, for lunch at the historic Nicholas Hotel. Seated in the plush Dining Room, surrounded by hundreds of historic black & white photographs of Bechworth, we were able to socialise over delicious food and drink. Thank you Nicole for arranging another enjoyable and interesting Wine Appreciation outing." Bev Thornell
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. Photographs - Bev Thornell, Nicole McFarlane 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!!  Next month, Friday 17th May, we are off to William Kurt Wines at 365 Buckland Gap Road, Beechworth. Lunch at Hotel Nicholas, 1A Camp St Beechworth.
Normal meeting procedure at the Seniors Carpark, 10.00am. Please let me know by Sunday 12th May. Nicole McFarlane 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 Photographs: Bev Thornell
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.
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