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 perfect Spring day in late October, the U3A Wine Appreciation group (minus group organisers the Rogers, who were away) assembled at the wonderfully situated Gapsted Winery near Myrtleford. Our numbers were down, but winemaker Tony was happy to outline the 25-year history, workings and varietals of Gapsted Winery.

The cool climate, long ripening period and high rainfall of the Alpine and King Valley Regions assist in the production of high quality, luscious whites and refined reds, which include some newer Italian varietals. We were happy to taste any on offer and perhaps buy samples. The view from the Cellar Door's expansive dining veranda, overlooking the vineyard across to the distant hills, was so picturesque, we were reluctant to leave.

​Lunch at the nearby Savoy Club in Myrtleford completed a sociable day for us all. Next month, the U3A Christmas break-up replaces our normal Wine Appreciation outing. Our Christmas luncheon will be held at the Goorambat Railway Hotel on Wednesday November 27th.   Lunch & Bus $40 - Lunch only $35.  A form is included with this newsletter.  For further information or to RSVP, contact Heather Rodgers 5762 4086.

​Bev Thornell

The U3A Wine Appreciation group met at Myrtleford's Michelini Wines, in the Alpine Valley wine region. Four generations of Michelini, beginning with newly arrived migrant Eno, from Italy's Trentino region, have crafted a variety of cool climate red, white, and sparkling wines, including new Italian varietals, from extensive vines in the Buckland Valley. We were warmly welcomed inside the Cellar Door and offered wines to taste, plus an outline of the long history of Michelini Wines. Once outside, winemaker Matt pointed out the machinery and storage vats used in wine production, followed by a glimpse of the tiny lab room and its instrumentation. It was a happy and relaxed group who decamped to the nearby Cafe Fez, with its iconic, colourful Moroccan decor. An extensive Middle Eastern menu offered us a multitude of mouth-watering watering choices. Unfortunately, there was little time afterwards to browse the vast array of handicrafts and furniture in the rear showroom. Full marks to Heather and Keith, for today's choice of venues

Bev Thornell

Coming up on Wednesday 25 September - Anderson's Winery, Rutherglen, followed by lunch at a pub in Chiltern.   Meet at the usual time of 10 am at the car park behind Aldi.  Please contact Keith and Heather by the Sunday beforehand to assist with catering bookings.  Keith & Heather Rogers 5762 4086