Meet the Makers – 5th September

Stop 1: Kathleen Quealy, Quealy Winemakers

Kathleen Quealy is the Peninsula’s most well known winemaker. Starting T Gallant and building up for sale to Fosters, she was the first person to plant Pinot Gris/Grigio in Australia and was referred to by James Halliday as “The Queen of Pinot Grigio. She is also a master of Pinot Noir, Muscat and the recently introduced Friulano.

This is a really authentic, no frills experience to be conducted in the chaos of the working winery. This will be a highly entertaining experience with a true visionary

Stop 2: Michael Kyberd, Tucks Ridge

Michael is on of the most respected winemakers on the Peninsula, lending his hand to many of the top labels in the region. Starting as head winemaker at Red Hill Estate for 14 vintages until 2004. During this time he also took over the reigns at Tucks Ridge, which became his true passion. He developed a range of single vineyard wines that have had the critics raving ever since, including the highest rated Pinot Noir in James Halliday’s Wine Companion for 3 years straight for his Buckle.

Michael is personable, interesting and passionate and by his own admission “loves to talk”. We will have a special private tasting room at Tuck’s Ridge on-site residence.

Stop 3: Red Hill Epicurean – 2 Course lunch

Enjoy a gourmet 2 course lunch at the amazing converted shed. There is also an Enomatic wine machine here allowing tastings of some of the regions best small production wines in including Dexter and Prancing Horse.

Stop 4: Judy Gifford, Darling Park

Trained and educated in Burgundy, Judy owns and operates one of the region’s best boutique labels. She has called the Mornington Peninsula home for the last 18 vintages. She started as Head Winemaker at Dromana Estate and moved to Darling Park 10 years ago. Loving her regional classics Pinot Gris, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir she also produces arguably the best cool-climate Shiraz in the region and a really interesting Ice Viognier dessert wine

Judy will conduct her tasting in the working winery for a bona fide experience, her humour and sharp wit will be on full show.

Hosts: Judy Gifford

Tap into 18 years of Mornington Peninsula wine and local knowledge with Judy Gifford onboard to run the day. This will be a real treat for guests

Host: Adam Nicholls, Wine Compass

Adam is the owner and founder of Wine Compass, in the last 2 years he has run over 120 wine tours of the Mornington Peninsula. A lover of all the region has to offer, he will make sure the day runs smoothly and is entertaining