The Wineshed@3DE, Mudstone Ridge Kitchen and a new pup!
After a pretty rocky year for most of us, 2020 is finally behind us.
Despite the restrictions on visiting friends and family in Melbourne, we actually had our most productive year ever and managed to get quite a lot done around the place. Apart from planting out the last 6 rows of the new vineyard with the Grenache, the kangaroo fence was put up and the new 25,000 litre water tank was moved into position with the help of our neighbour Jeremy and his ute, chains, straps and hand winches. This tank when full will table to water the vineyard, twice a week for 10 weeks if needed. During the winter months this year, all three dams were overflowing with precious water being lost to nature so having extra storage capacity during such times is critical when the rain don't come! So far this year, we've only seen about 6mm of rain and despite our automated irrigation systems, the gardens and vines are starting to struggle and if we don't get rain soon, we're in trouble!
UPDATE: Jan 29th, It's finally raining! It's 5.30pm and so far, 48mm of rain since 9am!
The Wineshed @3DE
One of the major projects undertaken during the Great Lockdown of 2020, was the fitting out of the old reclaimed tin shed as a new venue/dining/bar space. Generously donated by Pete Pichut from Palling Bros. Brewery in town, this old shed was once located at the McIvor Times site in High Street but now, no longer required. Using old recycled corrugated iron, fence palings and decking boards, the old shed now has a new life and has become a great addition to the Cellar door. Complete with a turntable and an eclectic vinyl selection, a pot belly stove for the winter months, and a comfy couch and the Wineshed @3DE is a perfect place to relax and enjoy some delicious Spanish style tapas and 3DE wine and local beer. It also has a Providore selling various delicacies as well as old wares and collectibles.
Mudstone Ridge Kitchen
In November last year, the new kitchen was signed off by the Council and our Class 2 food license was issued. This allows us to prepare and sell food, and food products produced on the property such as honey, olives, sauces and chutneys. We have also started an onsite catering business called Mudstone Ridge kitchen which aims to provide Spanish inspired dishes to eat on the premises or to pre order as Take Away for visitors to enjoy while visiting the regions wineries and picnic spots. All details for the Grazing and Tapas bags can be found on our website here
Meet Zephyr!
We're excited to introduce the newest member to the 3DE family...young Zephyr. A border collie/kelpie/labrador cross. He's now 5 months old but came to us as a rescue through our neighbours that foster unwanted dogs. He's a great little guy and always keen to be part of the action, almost so much that we're considering changing his name to FOMO for his 'fear of missing out'! He loves his new "brother" Ziggy but needs to understand the 13 year age gap and stop jumping on his head!
Hoping he'll grow into his legs one day!
Vineyard News
Agapanthus in full flower.
