A
PASSION for the fruit of the vine and a life-long dream
are finally coming true for Tatham man Brian Mull. After years
of research, a lot of hard work, help from some local Italians,
and the recent granting of a licence to market the products from
his own vineyard. Flood Reserve Vineyard is set atop the rich
red soil of a property which was the original flood reserve farmland
near Red Hill at Tatham. It is believed to be the only commercial
vineyard between Tenterfield and Port Maquarie. Mr Mull has gradually
planted out tracts of the property with vines sourced from Griffith
and Port Macquarie which are disease-resistant. He overcame problems
with humidity by lifting the vines to eye-height, and says the
tropical climate is a plus because the vines 'grow like crazy'.
The vineyard is now producing four varieties - Chambourcin, Chardonnay,
Cabernet Sauvignon and Verdelho- with plans to expand. The wines
have few preservatives, are chemical free and everything is done
by hand. |
