New book goes behind the scenes in Heathcote . . .People behind the wines of Heathcote by Kate Hicks, with Foreword by James Halliday.
James Halliday in his foreword wrote,
"This is first and foremost a book about the winemakers of the Heathcote region, their motivations, their life before wine, and the challenges and pitfalls, the agony and the ecstasy of growing and making wine.
Kate has taken a fresh approach to presenting the stories of those who change a dream into a reality. She has clearly spent many hours with the wine makers, and recorded an immense amount of information. Thus much of the content comes in first person speech, bringing each story to life and altogether avoiding repetition."
This splendid publication is more than a collection of stories, it is a showcase of the local area. It contains excellent maps, wonderful photography and an information-packed section on local attractions other than wineries, such as markets, food and wine festivities, heritage and history, parks and picnic spots. The section on local accommodation options is essential reading for those wishing to travel to the area to taste the fruits, in the widest sense of the word, and experience the beauty of the countryside.
As reviewed by Kathy Hall in the November edition of Bridge Connection -
"When reading the stories, it is striking how different the paths have been to the business of fermenting grapes. Some have come from long lines of grapegrowers and are following in ancestral footsteps, either locally, from other parts of Australia or from overseas. Others have given up their careers in various professions to take the plunge into the pleasures and challenges of planting, nurturing, pruning and harvesting their plump bunches of grapes. Others have had a focussed approach from the beginning, attending various schools and colleges which could furnish them with the skills required to produce the finest of wines.
As James Halliday (who has written the forword to the book) has said, "Kate has taken a fresh approach to presenting the stories of those who change a dream into a reality. She has clearly spent many hours with the wine makers, and recorded an immense amount of information. Thus much of the content comes in first person speech, bringing each story to life and altogether avoiding repetition."
The book is clearly set out with sixty vineyard stories in alphabetical order from Armstead Estate to Wild Duck Creek. Kate has not included wine ratings and vintage comparisons but has left that task to those who make a living from judging such things. She provides a link to James Halliday's Australian Wine Compendium for those who need to compare the qualities of the wines as perceived by others.
Web addresses and phone numbers of all the vineyards are clearly provided in order that visitors may check opening times and wine tasting availabilities for themselves.
I believe this book will become an essential companion for those travelling through the Heathcote area who enjoy a glass of wine. Not only does it provide all the information needed, but it also captures the essence of the vine growers, their history, and their passion for making fine wines."
RRP $29.95
Available from -
Bendigo
Collins Booksellers Centro Lansell
Collins Booksellers Fountain Court
Dymocks
Visitor Information Centre
Echuca
Collins Booksellers
Heathcote
Cellar&Store
Grape Escape Tours
Newsagent
Visitor Centre
Redesdale
Coliban Springs B&B
Ruperts Ridge B&B
Rural Cafe
Kyneton
Aesops Attic
Banks Fine Wine
Lancefield
Red Door Books
Woodend
New Leaf Bookstore
Rochester
Newsagency
Tooborac
Brewery and Hotel
Melbourne
Books for Cooks
Brunswick Street Bookstore
Coventry St Books
Domain Books
Dymocks 234 Collins Street
Educated Investor
My Books by Corrie Perkin
Readings Carlton
Readings Hawthorn
The Avenue Bookstore
The Paperback Bourke St
Cellar Doors including:
Barfold Estate
Burke & Wills Winery
Downing Estate
Galli Estate
Gisborne Peak Winery
Granite Hills
Lake Cooper Estate
Mandurang Valley Wines
Mia Valley Estate
Rowanston
Sanguine Estate
Shelmerdine
Silver Spoon Estate