Awards flow for vineyards

By Sarah Schwager
CASEY is being put on the map for the first time when it comes to wines.
Not normally known for its grape crops, Casey is now home to at least two award winning vineyards.
Clyde vineyard La Fontaine took out a silver and two bronze medals at the recent Wines of Gippsland awards.
It was especially significant for winery owner Brett Glover who entered the wines from the small six-hectare vineyard’s first vintage.
While the wines are available at a range of local establishments in Cranbourne and Berwick, La Fontaine’s cellar door does not officially open until November.
“We are pretty excited about it. It’s a fantastic honour,” Mr Glover said.
“There’s really nothing much like it in the City of Casey.”
Mr Glover, who also runs Casey Plant Hire, and his fiance have owned the property since it was due to be bulldozed four years ago.
He said the property had been owned by Tibetan monks and when he heard of the intended demolition, decided to rescue it.
La Fontaine took out the silver medal for Best Chardonnay, bronze for Best Sparkling and bronze for Best Liqueur Chardonnay at the Gippsland Wine Show on 1 March.
The vineyard will be launched in November with the opening of the cellar doors and restaurant.
Narre Warren East winery Woongarra Estate also featured in the wine awards, winning the MKA Legal Group Best Shiraz.
Narre Warren East couple Bruce and Mary Jones said the win was a big thrill and fantastic news for the vineyard, nestled on 32 hectares of land at the foot of the Dandenong Ranges.
Nearly 200 wines from 46 wineries were entered in the show organised by Wines of Gippsland Inc and sponsored by the region’s local government and business community.
D’Angelo Estate 2004 Lady Chardonnay was named Wine of the Year.
For more information about Gippsland wines and wineries visit www.winesofgippsland.com.au.