Easter Surprise!

At Easter some may expect or hope that the little white bunny surprises them with chocolate eggs or similar. This Easter was extra special; in that Kirstie made an unplanned visit from Queensland and Alysia was home from Tamworth for the weekend. It was to be a very short overnight stay for Kirstie and a little longer for Alysia but we packed many things into those few hours. Helen and John hosted a barbecue for us all. An exceptionally pleasant afternoon was shared where we sat for many hours chatting and discussing plans for a new venture; John and Helen's B&B, Bella Wind. The journalist and the conference/wedding coordinator had much to say over several champagnes and a number of fine wines. Bella Wind, the topic of conversation, promises to be a sought after B&B with its perfect location and rural setting. A visit to St Clements for lunch on Monday was an opportunity to sample Luigi's whites and even his beer. The special Easter menu was delicious as we sat on the lawn basking in the sun, eating and soaking in the views to the ranges beyond Cessnock. The rooftop viewing area above the cellar door and restaurant was an additional treat allowing us to appreciate the vines and olives planted either side of the main drive. As we arrived we had seen a small kangaroo that had been grazing on the sweet pick beneath the vines. It is not uncommon to see many roos in the paddocks surrounding the vineyard.