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Wednesday, January 22, 2025

Getaway: Tallagandra Hill Winery

Just a half-hour drive from Canberra, yet a world away from the busyness of city life, beckon the charming new vineyard cottages at Tallagandra Hill Winery, between Gundaroo and Murrumbateman.

Iโ€™ve been to the cellar door several times since owners, Mary McAvoy and David Faulks (an ex-colleague from my years at Austrade in 1987-1995), bought the vineyard three years ago. Since then, the industrious couple have been busy: rebranding their wines to reflect family personalities, upgrading the cellar door, undertaking extensive landscaping, dotting artworks and salvaged treasures around the vineyard, creating a stunning event space for weddings, parties, corporate or music gigs for up to 170 seated guests (200 in the forecourt), and adding boutique accommodation on site.

I stayed in The Prodigal Daughter vineyard cottage, which is named for Mary and the Vermentino labelled in her honour. The two nearby cottages are: The Great Ron, named for Davidโ€™s late father and the iconic Shiraz thatโ€™s developed a cult following; and The Favourite Son, a nod to Davidโ€™s sons, Ben and Sam, and Tallagandraโ€™s popular Tempranillo. Well-spaced for privacy, but close enough if youโ€™re staying as a group with friends or family, the three cottages share a communal barbecue spot and a fire pit area (subject to fire bans).

Flanked by the picturesque vineyards to the west, our one-bedroom ensuite cottage was stylish and cosy, with a well-appointed kitchen, a selection of books and board games โ€“ and, quite deliberately, no television or radio, so guests can enjoy a digital detox and embrace the serenity.

That evening, we shared delicious gourmet pizzas taken away from nearby Gundaroo, fittingly paired with a drop of The Prodigal Daughter Vermentino. Alternatively, we could have chosen to dine at any of the nearby Gundaroo eateries, to pre-order a cheese or charcuterie platter from Tallagandraโ€™s own cellar door, or to bring our own supplies to cook on site.

Next morning, I woke to the sounds of silence, punctuated by bird calls, and made good use of the kitchen appliances and continental breakfast supplies โ€“ a selection of teas, freshly brewed coffee, cereals, juice, milk, toast and spreads โ€“ to eat on the sunny covered deck.

David and Mary also invite guests to take a guided tour through the vines to learn about the varieties, seasons, and labour of love required to transform their precious fruits into wine.

CW founding editor Julie Samaras stayed as a guest of Tallagandra Hill Winery, 1692 Murrumbateman Road, Gundaroo NSW 2620.

To book accommodation, email [email protected], call 0434 041 915 or find them on Airbnb.

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