Stop Number Two was Dalrymple Vineyards on Piper’s Brook Road. Once again, everything was good, and the Pinot Noir was excellent. We left with a 2006 Pinot which ended up in the clutches of the Cox Combo as thanks for the parking facilities they provided in Mackay.
Down the road from Dalrymple, we turned off the main road onto a circuitous path which eventually brought us to the cellar door at Piper’s Brook, which was also a suitable lunch venue. The Chardonnay and Pinot Noir rated highly, though I didn't mind the Pinot Grigio either.
After lunch, we were back on the road through the vines to Jansz Tasmania, dedicated to producing sparkling wine and they do it rather well. They also offer freight free delivery throughout Australia for half a dozen bottles. They’re part of the Yalumba group, which meant Angaston was the point of departure for the Premium Non-Vintage Brut Cuvee that found their way to our doorstep. We’ll be back for more.
Once we’d found our way back to the highway, the next stop was Brook Eden, a delightful spot overlooking wetlands.
The vineyard is home to several peacocks, a Jack Russell named Chilli and wines that prompted me to sign up for their Vintage Club. That involves agreeing to buy a 6-bottle tasting pack each year at a discounted price (which more or less offsets the cost of freight).
I’d rate it alongside Pfeiffer’s in Rutherglen as a winery I’ve taken a particular shine to, though that’s not to disparage any of the others we visited. Every one was excellent. It’s just that I thought Brook Eden was particularly excellent.