WhereTheFarkAreWe 5
22 Aug 2021
We had an excellent day with Eamonn! Booked online the day before, easy. He picked us up from our hotel at 10.00am and we were lucky to be the only ones on the tour. The mini-van was spacious, clean and comfortable.
Before heading off, Eamonn explained the structure of the day and that we would visit potentially 4 or 5 wineries, depending on the time we spent at each. He explained that there was absolutely no pressure or expectation to purchase any wine but also explained that if we did, we could bundle the purchases up and have the wine freighted back to Adelaide ($25 per dozen, packed and freight). He estimated a 5 to 5.30pm drop off back at the hotel and lunch was already arranged at the 3rd winery. He asked if we had any dietary issues or requirements.
Eammon is very knowledgeable in all aspects of wine - the grape varieties, growing, picking, the vines, the wine makers, the wine making process and also the history of the region. It was interesting to hear the information and we were not overloaded with too many facts and figures.
The 1st winery stop was Velo Wines - Legana Estate, a small owner operated vineyard just at the beginning of the Tamar Valley. Small cellar door, friendly staff, wood fire, small items and local chocolates available to purchase, outdoor decking area, toilets. Lunch is available at Timbre Kitchen - Thursday to Sunday (bookings recommended). Wine was very nice.
The 2nd winery stop was Tamar Ridge, a large winery (Brown Brothers, Devils Corner etc). Large cellar door, very popular. You will be able to buy this wine on the mainland. It serves small snacks Saturday and Sunday. We enjoyed the whisky distillery next door, serving gin tastings. Three Cuts Gin - do yourself a favour and buy some. The distillery is housed on the same premises as the winery but it’s not linked to the winery.
The 3rd winery stop was further into the valley at Beaconsfield, Cabbage Tree Hill winery (11am to 5pm daily). It’s a relatively new winery and vineyard, owner operated, the cellar door is small, modern and intimate with a nice outdoor decking, easy parking, and toilets on site.
We enjoyed the wines and the lunch with great view of the vines. An amazing gourmet food platter was served - cheeses, quince paste, salamis and cold meat slices, salmon pate, smoked trout, fruit, with crackers and Turkish bread. Plus a choice of a glass of wine with lunch. It was superb. If you have any allergies and dietary requirements - just let Eammon know beforehand.
The 4th winery stop (and last) was Swinging Gate Vineyard (bookings preferred). The cellar door is set in an old machinery shed and it’s quite eclectic. They produce wines that have had minimal interference and they offer some more unusual wine styles. Doug is a real character, friendly and engaging. The winery has events also - have a look on social media. Offers wood fire pizzas each Saturday (12-5pm).
Swinging Gate Vineyard packed all our wine purchases (from other vineyards and there’s) and freighted it to Adelaide. It arrived within a week, in good order. This was great. Many of the wines are not available at mainstream liquor outlets on the mainland. So take advantage to purchase when at the wineries. Cost was $25 freight charge per dozen packed.
We arrived back by 4.30pm - visiting 4 wineries. We felt that was plenty. We had a great day with Eammon. We don’t do “tours” usually but this was great.
Hint: taste the wine and then spit it out in the spittoon! It does sneak up on you if you don’t. Take some light crackers to soak up the grog along the way.
