PROFILED BY DE GROOTS MEDIAThe name came from the original three vineyards that are part of this winery, jokingly said to be ten minutes by tractor from one another. There are wines, of course, to taste at the cellar door that is at the front of this attractive renovated timber building. Beyond the cellar door, with its wine-red walls and tractor images, is the restaurant, complete with open kitchen and big picture windows overlooking vines and gentle hills. It’s not at all formal, but they take food seriously here, and wine even more so.
The menu provides a good choice of dishes with seasonal flavours, and often includes produce from the kitchen garden. Think summer salad of big peeled prawns served with an avocado, apple and tomato salad. Have it with the suggested accompanying wine. Think crisp-skinned barramundi with many-mushroom risotto, or duck breast served with wine-poached pear and a cinnamon mash. It’s got to be Pinot with that one – and there are lots of them. The Ten Minutes by Tractor wines are on the list, and available by the glass along with many others. Reading the full wine list is like taking a wine education class, with a strong focus on Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, and a remarkable selection of other varieties. Bring your best taste buds and a designated driver.
Rita Erlich, January 2008
