The story part 2
Well it does take a long time for me to put pen to paper, but finally
I'm getting around to do so.
It has been a long time since my first story and lots of things have
happened since then, mind you I'm still in love with the place.
In 2004 we planted an additional 5 acres of 5 different varieties to
compliment the Merlot, Shiraz and the Semillon now we also have
Verdelho, Pinot Grigio, Grenache, Barbera and Nebbiolo, in 2008 we where
able to pick some Pinot Grigio, Verdelho and Grenache and I'm very happy
with the results.
We also planted a row of olive trees on either side of the road and they
are also doing very well, the whole place looks magnificent from Talga
Rd. In 2008 we did not pick any olives but maybe in 2009 we should get a
small crop, lets see how we go!
Keith
and his troupe are no longer looking after the vineyard,
and after a year
or so using various subcontractors
I secured the services of Mairianne Peters as vineyard manager
and Jenny Bright as an outside consultant.
Under the carefull hands of Mairianne and plenty of TLC by the
undersigned the place is looking absolutely stunning, it's amazing how
quickly you forget the disasters and painful experiences suffered ,
when you get to see it all neat and tidy.
We now have approval for the construction of a cellar door and
restaurant and progress on the building will be shown on our blog
regularly.
On the 3rd of May we gathered a group of friends and they helped Rita
and I celebrate the Turning of the First Sods, without doubt a very
touching, emotional and memorable occasion .
I would like to thank all
the participants for making the effort and taking the time to come and
help us celebrate, during the ceremony I had the pleasure to unveil a
drawing of the cellar door/
restaurant and I also released the name of the future restaurant "Lillino's"
it will be a Sardinian and Mediterranean cuisine with a very down to
earth dishes inspired by the memories of my childhood, I'm really
looking forward to this new challenge.
Mark, thanks for the beautiful drawing and all the photos on the night,
I’m sure some of them will pop up on the web page.
There is plenty more to say but I better leave some for the next one.
Luigi Pinna