The weather perfect, the crowd boarded the bus headed for John Dugas’ vineyard last Saturday.  

John gave a lively presentation and tasting, with nicely presented nibbles while the group sat under the grape covered pergola.

Tour participants enjoyed a sample from John’s latest wine straight out of the large stainless steel barrels before wandering through the vines to get to and from the bus.  

Noel and Lyn Monro’s olive farm was a snapshot out of Tuscany.  

Crisp white tablecloths with olive branches decorated the tables, set around the pool. 

The tasting had members gathering at the product stand to purchase the olives, olive oil and olive paste.  

Noel conducted a lively quiz before it was back on the bus heading to Tugwood Wines.

Tugwood Wines, with its beautiful buildings all built by Rendell and Faull, was a picture of perfection.  

The grounds were pristine, even the distillery room was pristine.  

John told the group about the history of the land and his reason for settling in Gloucester, how he makes wine and even prints the labels for the bottles.  

In his tasting room, the group was treated to platters of different cheeses and fruit.  

The final stop on the tour was Faulls Ridge Wines. 

The tables were set up under the tall trees which formed a natural canopy.  

White tablecloths and wine glasses on a professional bar overlooked the stunning mountains. 

The wine tasting went on longer than it should have but group members just kept lining up.

Their cheese platters were accompanied by Chambourcin and Shiraz jelly made by Rotary bulletin editor Vicki Coombes.  

John and Debbie donated $5 from each bottle sold back to Rotary.

The meal prepared by John and Debbie and Steve and Karen included homemade bread, pappadams, Thai beef red curry, Thai green chicken curry, seafood and vegetarian dishes. 

Dessert consisted of lemon and lime pies, an ice cream cake and Megan de Witte supplied fruit soaked in Cointreau.

Tea and coffee was set out on their verandah overlooking the pool.  

Thanks to John Dugas, Noel and Lyn Monro, John Tugwood, Bruce the bus driver and Newcombe’s Coach Lines.  

Will from Roadies Café donated half the raffle prize.