Politini Wines: a touch of Sicily
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Sara Schwarz
Politini Wines, King Valley, Victoria
Fast becoming Victoria's favourite region for authentic food and wine experiences, the King Valley is home to a number of wonderful wine producing families offering visitors a touch of Italy only three hours from Melbourne.
We invite you to discover Politini Wines and the Politini family, with their roots stretching all the way from the island of Sicily to the King Valley's fertile plains.
About Politini Wines
Politini Wines is a true family venture. Salvatore (Sam) Politini migrated to Australia from Francofonte, Sicily in 1956 and with his brother Paolo began share-farming tobacco before buying their own farm in Cheshunt – home now to Politini Wines. During this time Sam met and married Josie (Guiseppina) La Spina, a Sicilian born girl living in the nearby Ovens Valley.
In 1989 the family, Sam, Josie and their four children, planted an initial 12 hectares of vines and then another 16 hectares, selling their quality grapes to a number of local wineries for a decade before launching their own label in 2000.
Featuring a modified version of Siciliy’s ancient heraldic emblem, the Trinachria, the Politini logo is made up of the blazing Australian sun and three running legs bent at the knee representing the three points of Sicily’s island. Together they reflect the Politini’s Sicilian heritage and the new opportunities offered in Australia. These days second daughter Bianca and her winemaking husband Luis are taking over the running of the business with Sam and Josie still very much involved.
What will I find here?
A very welcoming and relaxed cellar door with members of the Politini family behind cellar door. This is the sort of place you drop in for 20 minutes and find yourself staying a number of hours while tasting Nonna’s homemade biscotti, touring the vineyard and having a good chat over Politini's fine wines about life, the universe and everything.
And if you enjoy ‘hands-on’ experiences, each winter the Politini’s host a number of salsicce (salami) making classes. Not only do you come away with (once properly aged), your own secret recipe salsicce, you will also have the delectable opportunity to enjoy a very generous range of Nonna Josie’s cooking throughout the day. Contact the winery for details of the winter 2012 classes.
What should I ask to try?
Ask to taste the Politini’s Sicilian white variety, grecanico – one of the few places in Australia where you'll have the chance to try this variety. With ‘ripe fruit reminiscent of grapefruit, pineapple, peaches and honey with floral and spice elements’ it may just become your new summer favourite.
Another interesting wine is the Amoroso, a delightful light red wine designed to be served chilled, perfect for the approaching warmer months.
Also at cellar door you’ll find a selection of Italian varietal wines along with Politini’s very popular sauvignon blanc and also their ‘Connection’ muscat and tawny wines.
What's on?
La Dolce Vita is an annual and increasingly popular food and wine festival celebrating the King Valley's rich Italian heritage. It is held on the third weekend of November each year across the cellar doors of the King Valley.
The 2011 festival is being held on November 19 - 20. At Politini, along with thier full range of wines you will enjoy arancini (crunchy risotto balls with melted oozing centres), chargrilled salsicce with eggplant and capsicum caponata and Politini’s ever popular 'Amici plates' – a selection of Josie’s favourites. Also on offer is a sumptuous seafood feast by chef Tina Felton, imported cheeses, Josie’s biscotti and live music through out the weekend.
Let’s go!
Politini Wines is located approximately three hours north east of Melbourne in the beautiful King Valley region.
65 Upper King River Road
Cheshunt VIC 3678
Phone (03) 5729 8277
The cellar door is open daily from 11am to 5pm. Self-contained accommodation is currently under construction on the property with aims to be open over summer 2012.
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Regions
- King Valley including Milawa (VIC)
- North East Victoria (VIC)
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