I was in Tamworth a couple of weeks ago, and had the opportunity to visit the cellar door at Kitty Crawford Estate in the beautiful Dungowan Valley. The track in leads you a fair way back off Nundle Road, and after you crest a hill and start to head down towards a little creek, you suddenly realise that you are looking at a very special place.
The original 1800's settlers cottage is the cellar door now, water buffalo & goats are wandering around, the creek runs alongside the cottage under the big gums, the vines are all around, and there's a real sense of peaceful calm...like stepping back in time somehow to a much more relaxed era.
Here I met Graham & Marlene Manvell and Chef Ben, who proceeded to bestow the most remarkable hospitality upon me, and totally surprised me with their wines.
These grapes are hand grown, handpicked and their wines are very well made. Very little watering required...the valley takes care of that. Their reds are simply spectacular.
The 2004 Black Shiraz pictured above is an absolute beauty, and I was very honoured to be able to taste this magnificent wine.
Graham has represented Australia as a Chef in the Culinary Olympics and he and Marlene also own and operate the Tamworth SSS Steakhouse.
It was an absolute pleasure to meet them, and visit this special place.
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