Carmine’s Wines: A classic migrant beginning
Born in a small Hillside Village (Pago Veiano – you won’t find it on any National maps) in Southern Italy. At the age of 5, I was drawn to helping Nonno (Grandpa), in the Winemaking process. Carrying the small buckets of hand picked Sangiovese Bunches to the small wooden fermenter. Literally to be “Thrown in” to start stomping away!
What hope did I have! The aromas of sweet vibrant grape juice, wild yeast fermenting, and drinking the freshly crushed juice were embedded in my memory forever. They have steered me to evolve in most of my life, blending “WINE – Food & Life’s Frivolities” as a staple life diet!
As original European Migrants, mamma Giuseppina bundled up her three little boys (Carmine, Mario and Donato), boarded the Italian Liner ‘La FLOTTA LAURA’ in Naples & over 40 days later dropped in to South Australia. Not knowing it would now be the Heart of Australia’s Wine Industry.
Father Giuseppe was working 7 days a week in the Tomato fields of Shepparton during the day. As well as in nearby Tatura Milk Factory at night, to earn a pound and feed the famiglia. However, his & Mamma’s passion for cooking somehow got them to venture to South Australia and open a “Caffe/Ristorant”. So the Blend of “Food – vino” took hold.
In due course we ended up owning “The Historical Old Stonyfell Winery” and setting up the first five star restaurant in South Australia. “The Drumminor”, nationally and internationally acclaimed with many awards.
Hence, the Famiglia has been and is still embedded in Wine/Hospitality – since 1965! More about this and expanded stories in our Wine Blog.
Today I continue my passion of winemaking, with focus on boutique creations of Sparkling Red (Shiraz) and a full cross section of Fortifieds ( Muscats, Tawnys, Vintage VPs, and even a little batch of “Xerez” – good old fashioned Oloroso Sherry). Enjoy these limited offerings of small batch winemaking.
Cheers, Salute e Buon appetito with some of our “VINO BELLO” (Beautiful Wine).
