Happenings at last week’s Meeting
This week we had an interesting evening talking about wine and wine making. Sadly, there were several apologies which meant that the audience didn’t do the Guest Speaker justice.
After President Peter conducted the Toast and Invocation, he introduced Bob as the Chair for the evening. Bob read out the list of apologies and then introduced our Guest Speaker, Terryn Hickinbotham from Hickinbotham Winery.
Terryn and her husband Andrew started the winery in 1988. They had met at university where both were studying Botany. Terryn spent 12 years in the Melbourne Uni Botany Department while Andrew went over to France to complete a degree in Viniculture. Upon his return he spent some time planting for other wineries and then decided to start their own.
Terryn went on to tell us some of the technicalities around wine making. Wine making is a form of art and is a balance of sugars versus acidity. Also:
- The Peninsular wineries can plant with 2 meters between the rows;
- This allows for up to 3 tons of grapes per acre (oops, old measurements. Ed);
- It takes 6 years to become a Master of Wine; and
- The environment plays the complete part in the “cause” of flavour.
As well as wines the Hickinbothams have also produced grape cider, which has a greater taste variety than apple cider. COVID was a major upset to the industry, and it led to experimentation in distilling. Hickinbotham now produces gin and whisky, and they also have a micro-brewery which was started by Terryn and Andrew’s son. Including a restaurant and they have quite a well-rounded establishment.
There is a rationalisation if wineries on the Peninsular, but Hickinbothams seems well placed to remain with us for quite a while.
Terryn had brought along a few “presents” which were gratefully received. After a brief Q&A, Bob thanked her for taking the time and giving such an interesting talk.
The night had got away on us so there was a quick Lotto draw, won by Anne.
Bob handed back to Peter who thanked all attendees and closed the Meeting at 8:00.
