Plunkett Fowles: home to Ladies Who Shoot Their Lunch
RACV members enjoy a 15 per cent discount
Sara Schwarz
Fowles Wine, Strathbogie Ranges, Victoria
With their cellar door and cafe in an enviable location in the Strathbogie Ranges just off the Hume Freeway, it is not the weary and thirsty road warriors who make up most of Plunkett-Fowles custom.
Rather, Plunkett Fowles has become a destination in itself with many repeat customers introducing the welcoming cellar door and café to friends and relatives.
Plunkett-Fowles: a short history
In the 1970s Alan Plunkett was one of the first to see the potential of the Strathbogie Ranges as a wine-producing region and planted the first trial vineyards amongst the granite-strewn landscape, with shiraz and riesling proving outstanding.
Over three decades on, his foresight has been well rewarded with Plunkett-Fowles Ladies Who Shoot Their Lunch Shiraz being named Australia's Best Shiraz at the 2010 Australian Shiraz Challenge, only one of a clutch of fine awards this winery has received.
Six years ago a partnership was formed with the Fowles family and since then the winery and wines keep going from strength to strength.
What will I find here?
At cellar door you’ll find an impressive 20 wines on tastings across three quite different brands;
- the too easily quaffable 490m range: a nod to the altitude of the vineyards
- the elegant Stone Dwellers range: produced from wines showcasing the best varietal characteristics each year
- the Ladies Who Shoot Their Lunch range: possibly one of the best wine labels around and as it suggests, designed to match with game dishes (shot by yourself or otherwise).
If the budget allows, The Exception Reserve Shiraz offers discerning customers something quite special.
In the cafe kitchen, chef Adele Aitken has an enviable task of developing the menu based around the rich local produce of the region. Much is sourced from the Fowles family farm, Kileen and winery grounds, while renowned regional produce including local mushrooms and lamb are from farms close by.
Locals too know Adele is always happy to accept their bonus produce and will often turn up at the back door laden with rhubarb, asparagus, eggs and other seasonal bounty.
What’s On?
Over the warmer months a number of live music events are planned for select public holidays. In February, the Essential Theatre Co. will be performing Romeo and Juliet for Plunkett-Fowles' inaugural Shakespeare event.
Best to check the winery’s website for all dates and details but booking quickly is recommended as such events tend to sell out fast.
What should I ask to try?
- Ensure you taste the riesling and shiraz. For aficionados (and those just keen for a quality drop), these fine regional wines provide a real sense of place.
- The light and bubble 490m frizzante or the vibrant, juicy 490m shiraz dolce may be just the thing for those who enjoy their wine a touch on the sweet side.
- With an irresistible name and label to match, the Ladies Who Shoot Their Lunch range is a must.
- Book lunch in the café and try a Wine Flight: three wines matched with three generous tastes from the menu.
Let’s Go!
Plunkett Fowles
Cnr Hume Fwy and Lambing Gully Rd, Avenel
Ph 03 5796 2150
An hour from the Melbourne ring road, Plunkett Fowles is an easy drive from Melbourne up the Hume Freeway. Just past the Avenel turn off, you will find it on your left hand side as you head north.
The café and cellar door are open 9am to 5pm daily. We advise booking for lunch during busy periods.
RACV Members: Show Your Card and Save
with a 15 per cent discount on wine purchases at cellar door »
Regions
- Goulburn Valley (VIC)
- Strathbogie Ranges (VIC)
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Fowles Restaurant (formerly Plunkett Fowles) attached to the Fowles Cellar Door is perched on a hill surrounded by vines, and is an idyllic spot to break up a journey ... read more
Fowles Wines
Fowles vineyard (formerly Plunkett Fowles) is situated at Avenel in the rugged Strathbogie Ranges, in the Goulburn Murray waters wine region of Central Victoria. read more
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