G'Day!

Barossa - Day 5 There are only two vineyards on the itinerary today, but what a day! First is Hutton Vale, named over 150 years ago. A mixed production farm making jams and chutneys as well as wine. The owners, John and Jan Angus, provide great hospitality and a tasting of excellent wines. The viticulture practices, including use of a large fan to combat frost on the shiraz vines, are explained by John during a trip through the vineyard in the company of the family dogs. The second vineyard we visit is Heathvale, another old property dating back to the 1860s, that is now owned by Trevor and Faye March. Trevor is clearly an enthusiastic vigneron, and it shows as he takes us on a walk through the vines and explains the ages of the vines and the different trellising methods he is using to gain optimal flavors in the grapes. His wines, especially the 2002 Shiraz, are wonderful. On the way back to Tanunda we stop in at the Eden Valley Pub for a pizza and some Irvine merlot. Later that evening dinner is at Salters where we finish off the Heathvale 2002 Chardonnay and the 2002 Shiraz kindly provided by Trevor. It’s a pity that the meal is spoiled by air conditioning that is blasting out super cold air, and coffee that takes forever to get to our table.