My sister has a beautiful vineyard and winery called Curly Flat. It is in the Macedon Ranges area in Victoria, southern Australia. It is the coolest wine growing area on mainland Australia and perfect for the Pinot Noir and Chardonnay they produce.
We visited Curly Flat on the weekend. The weather was mixed…we had some sun, some rain and lots of wind. I took advantage of sunny moments to look around the vineyard. It is a beautiful part of the world.
The oldest vines were planted in 1992 with other plantings following from 1993 to 2000. They now have 14 hectares (33acres) under vine.
The well tended vines are looking particularly healthy. Vintage is about 2 months away.
Quite a large mob of kangaroos visit the vineyard most days. They don’t mind people…as long as we don’t get too close.
The enormous dam looks good from any angle.
Wine tastings and events are held at Vintage Hall, the original 1880s cottage that was on the property when it was bought.
I remember when these trees were tiny saplings.
Chewbacca, otherwise known as Chewy, is the resident vineyard cat. He is getting on now, but still manages to charm visitors when the mood takes him.
I think my sister has created something wonderful at Curly Flat. She and her team should be very proud of their achievements. Curly Flat produces some of Australia’s best Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The wine is available in the best restaurants all over Australia, and of course they sell direct. Have you tried it yet?
Indeed I have tried it on numerous occasions – it is the finest Pinot Noir and the vineyard is very beautiful – time for another visit when I am next in Melbourne which won’t be long –
By: Elizabeth Litzow on January 17, 2018
at 10:01 pm
You must visit. Everything is looking great right now leading up to vintage.
By: Debra Kolkka on January 17, 2018
at 10:20 pm
Debra the vineyard is amazing. Your sister’s hard work paid off.
By: Diane on January 17, 2018
at 10:06 pm
There have been lots of years of hard work and it continues…but the results make it all worthwhile.
By: Debra Kolkka on January 17, 2018
at 10:21 pm
Have to agree the wines are excellent. All looking wonderful, must get there one day.
By: Kirsi Säde on January 17, 2018
at 10:29 pm
It looks as though 2018 is going to be a great vintage.
By: Debra Kolkka on January 17, 2018
at 10:32 pm
We will definitely give curly flat a try Debi. You must be the best ambassador for promoting travel for sure. We love your blog. Our list of places to visit keeps on growing… thanks to you. 😁
Christine and Douglas
By: Christine & Douglas Collins on January 17, 2018
at 11:11 pm
The wine is great. Even if you don’t make it to Curly Flat you can enjoy the results of the hard work.
By: Debra Kolkka on January 18, 2018
at 3:36 am
[…] via Curly Flat — Bagni di Lucca and Beyond […]
By: Curly Flat — Bagni di Lucca and Beyond on January 17, 2018
at 11:12 pm
Oh your photos are beautiful! I love the kangaroos 🙂
By: Raeleen Mautner, Ph.D. on January 17, 2018
at 11:17 pm
They are such interesting animals to watch.
By: Debra Kolkka on January 18, 2018
at 3:37 am
We are really looking forward to a visit on our next trip to Victoria.
By: Kerry & Jim on January 17, 2018
at 11:22 pm
I hope you visit soon.
By: Debra Kolkka on January 18, 2018
at 3:37 am
Oh I’m going to be a smart-Alec here Deb: a group of Kangaroos is referred to as a troop, or mob – but I reckon due to their expressions it should be ‘sentry’ ;-D
By: Tiger Dreaming on January 17, 2018
at 11:45 pm
Thanks for that! I knew there was a word for it, but I couldn’t remember. I will fix it.
By: Debra Kolkka on January 17, 2018
at 11:57 pm
I’m pretty sure we have some bottle of Curly Flat in our wine rack! 😀 I love the shots of the kangaroos in the vineyard.
By: Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella on January 18, 2018
at 12:39 am
The Pinot Gris is also good.
By: Debra Kolkka on January 18, 2018
at 3:38 am
What a beautiful place. That rainbow perfectly frames the lovely garden. Chewy looks pretty settled there at the vineyard and the visiting kangaroos seem quite at home too. Fabulous photos Debra, thanks for sharing them.
Cheers,
Robyn
By: italia4ever on January 18, 2018
at 1:00 am
The rainbow was a lucky bonus.
By: Debra Kolkka on January 18, 2018
at 3:38 am
A perfect setting for a perfect wine.
By: Mulino Dominillo on January 18, 2018
at 5:50 am
It is an excellent site.
By: Debra Kolkka on January 18, 2018
at 7:37 am
Darn, I’m not a white wine fan, but my daughter in law is. I’ll look out for this label, for sure.
By: Yvonne on January 18, 2018
at 7:06 am
Pinot Noir is a delicious red wine. They also make Pinot Gris and Chardonnay which are white.
By: Debra Kolkka on January 18, 2018
at 7:36 am
We don’t get many Australian wines here but will look for it in France. What is the story behind the name, Curly Flat?
By: MELewis on January 18, 2018
at 7:37 am
I don’t think it is available in France. The name comes from the stories of Australian cartoonist, Michael Leunig. In one of his early stories his character, Mr Curly, had a vineyard called Curly Flat.
In one of his cartoons he says “The locals have never bothered to describe the taste or construction of the wines, but after drinking a couple of glasses they are inclined to become very eloquent in describing the way it makes them feel.”
By: Debra Kolkka on January 18, 2018
at 7:42 am
Beautiful place!
By: Pauline on January 19, 2018
at 11:01 pm
It is a beautiful property. Blue skies help.
By: Debra Kolkka on January 20, 2018
at 12:15 pm