Winter 2010
Dear Friends,
As we write this year’s newsletter we have just completed our 21st consecutive vintage.
For many years we have used a mobile bottling machine to package all of our wines. The plant was housed in the barrel shed and everytime it arrived we had to shift all of the barrels out to make room. We finally bit the bullet and commissioned a new bottling line in October last year. It is a lovely new shiny Italian masterpiece that gives us complete control over the bottling and packaging process. This can only mean more consistent and better quality wines for all of our customers.
Over the past 21years we have seen both the highs and lows of the Australian wine industry. Changes in taxes, changes in the preferred wines styles and now the awareness of health risks associated with binge drinking. Most wines, including Turkey Flat, are consumed with food and are an important part of the social fabric of any civilized society. Of particular note is a good news story for women. There are considerable health benefits associated with a glass or two of red wine per day. Lu Wang, a medical instructor at Brigham and Women's Hospital, in Boston, Massachusetts studied 19000 women. The study found that females that enjoy a glass of wine after work have a lower risk of obesity than tee-totalers and red wine was associated with the lowest weight gain. So girls, relax and enjoy a glass or two of Turkey Flat after work.
Last year we introduced tutored “Butchers Block” tastings featuring limited and current release wines matched to a selection of locally produced cheeses. These hosted, sit down sessions were received so well we decided to add another dimension to this experience and in May, launched our “Master Classes” which will focus on rare and back vintage releases with the same structured format. Now we can cater for a wider spectrum of customers; from those who simply wish to enjoy a more interesting, yet still informal tasting experience, to those who knowledge and learn more about the history of Turkey Flat. Each season we will offer new tasting menus which will be available for viewing on our website.
Every year we seem to add a new face or say a farewell to a member of the Turkey Flat family. This year we say goodbye to Kate Neldner who has been with us for the past three years as our Finance and Administration Manager. We thank Kate for her dedication and professional manner that she performed her role and wish her well for the future. We also welcome Melissa Dahlitz to the cellar door crew. Melissa comes to us with a passion for food, travel and wine and we are sure that those of you who visit cellar door will enjoy her company and conversation.
Cheers!
Christie & Peter Schulz