Riverina2020: Sunday 1 November

Today was the ultimate culmination of a wonderful weekend of food and wine. Our day started with a short drive to Rosewood Park at Hanwood, on the outskirts of Griffith. We had time to wander the beautiful gardens created by Mick and Marj Careri over the past few years. Then we enjoyed a simple breakfast in one of the sheds with an amazing array of collectibles of all ages and conditions. The whole experience here was one of love and caring and enjoyment in creating a beautiful domain which they very generously shared with us.

Then it was time to head to de Bortoli at Bilbul for wine tasting. All their wines are bottled here in Griffith but the grapes come predominantly from the Yarra Valley and Rutherglen, both in Victoria. Some are grown in Griffith, and the Hunter has only recently started to see new plantings by this family owned company. It was so interesting to hear about the wine making experience in the region. After much talk and tasting and buying, we left to head to Piccolo Farm, our special lunch experience.

The Piccolo family have farmed the property for decades, from very humble beginnings to what it is today. A sustainable farm with the love, care and heart of Peter Piccolo at the centre of everything which is created here and the proud father of Luke, 2019 Young Restaurateur of the Year. We were privileged to have lunch served on the vine covered patio, cooked fresh by Luke. Along with a pasta making demonstration with Luke and his Nonna showing how easy it is to make your own pasta. He talked about his experience growing up and travelling to Italy and Sardinia to gain valuable experience which he now has brought back to his home town. Unfortunately, we do not have time to visit his restaurant Limone, named for the 70 year old lemon tree in his father’s paddock, which was also lovingly built by his father in the centre of town.

Tomorrow we head home on our heritage train. There are still surprises in store for us on our journey home.