rosnaygofortheo

Comedy under the Stars this October 6

noreply@blogger.com (Sam Statham) — Wed, 12 Sep 2012 12:17:00 +0000

Join us for a raucus night of Flickerfest comedy flicks, organic curry and Rosnay wine on Richard and Florence's lawn at the Rosnay vineyard this Saturday 6 October.

The films are Flickerfest's selection of the very finest comedy flicks from this year's 21st Anniversary Festival. Flickerfest is Australia's pre-eminent short film festival and Rosnay has been the wine sponsor of the festival for the last 3 years.

We love the passion of the festival's director for connecting fine film with local communities, including Canowindra.

The night kicks off with gates opening at 5.30pm, Wooly's famous home grown organic curry at 6.00pm, and the films beginning at 7.00pm. If you are keen for the curry, just make sure you RSVP to us by 3 October, by calling 1300 767629 or 02 63443215, or emailing info@rosnay.com.au

To make things simple, tickets are all at the gate. The cost is $35 for films and curry, or $20 for just the films. Kids are half price. No BYO - we are a vineyard!

This is a Fair Weather event. If unsure about the weather, please just give us a call on the day for the latest.

Rosnay Sponsors Mullumbimby Music Festival

noreply@blogger.com (Sam Statham) — Wed, 12 Sep 2012 11:20:00 +0000

We are thrilled to have been appointed the wine sponsor and official wine for the Mullumbimby Music Festival, 22-25 November 2012. The Mullum Music Festival is a fantastic, grassroots and community based music festival taking place in the delightful Byron Bay hinterland town of Mullumbimby.
Sam and Simone Statham, family and friends are looking forward to being part of the action with a Rosnay tasting table at the Civic Hall. As part of the sponsorship Rosnay has obtained limited free festival tickets, which will be drawn through the many small independent liquor outlets that stock Rosnay wine in the Northern Rivers region.

Rosnay Results for the 2012 Cowra National Wine Show

noreply@blogger.com (Sam Statham) — Thu, 26 Jul 2012 07:26:00 +0000

Gold

2008 Cabernet Sauvignon. Also winner of the Greg Johnson Award for the ‘Best Local Red Wine of the Show’

Silver

2011 Vintage Chardonnay (sparkling)

Bronze

2012 Freedom Mourvedre
2008 Shiraz
2009 Shiraz
2006 Shiraz
2008 Triple Blend

Media Release

noreply@blogger.com (Sam Statham) — Sun, 22 Jul 2012 23:32:00 +0000

The winner of the inaugural Department of Primary Industries’ NSW Organic PioneersAward, Rosnay’s Sam Statham, appeared on the Alan Jones Show today detailing how supermarkets are squeezing food producers and farmers.

Sam Statham, 37, and parents Richard and Florence—growers of organic winegrapes, olives and figs—began planting in the NSW Cowra wine region in 1997. As small growers in Australia's highly competitive wine industry, they have been fortunate to have a special point of difference, certified organic, which appeals to a growing number of buyers at independent wine shops. However, as explained by Sam, it is becoming increasingly difficult to maintain sales in the face of the expansion of supermarket liquor retailing.

Small- and medium-sized producers have fewer independent outlets to sell wine through, says Sam, citing the recent purchase of Balmain Village Cellars by Woolworths.
"BVC was a classic locally owned and managed wine outlet that supported small producers. As one of our best outlets in Sydney, we are sad to see it go, as its now harder than ever to get shelf space in the remaining small pub bottle shops in the area.”

On his last tour to the Northern Rivers of NSW, where most Rosnay wine is sold, Sam found widespread concern among his customers at the rate of expansion of the supermarket liquor outlets. He was told supermarkets have offered beer at a loss in order to gain market share, or at least below what the independent outlets pay wholesale for the same products.
"If the independent outlets all get bought by the chains, small producers—the bulk of Australia's producers—will not be retailed, unless they can get into the supermarkets. However, most farmers know that even if you are big, you will eventually be squeezed to breaking point. I remember one of my neighbours selling their vegetable farm after struggling to survive as supermarket growers, and it was then that I vowed to never go down that path, if we had the choice.
"Even large organic wineries are acting as early product developers, finding themselves bypassed without notice as the supermarket decided to buy grapes direct and make the wine themselves for their own brand labels.

Sam has started a blog called www.unchainmywine.com as a listing of wineries that are not in the chains, and as a forum for the independent retailers to share their views.

Rosnay Results for the 2012 Winewise Small Vigneron Awards

noreply@blogger.com (Sam Statham) — Sun, 08 Jul 2012 08:29:00 +0000

Silver

Rosnay 2009 Shiraz

Bronze

Rosnay 2008 Triple Blend
Rosnay 2011 Triple Blend
Rosnay 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon
Rosnay 2012 "Freedom" Mourvedre

Also in the show from the Cowra region were Swinging Bridge and Windowrie, both picking up several medals.

Winewise is a consumer wine guide focused on small producers.

Eddie Botha - Limited Stock - Markers on Board $179.99

noreply@blogger.com (Sam Statham) — Thu, 05 Jul 2012 02:50:00 +0000

Eddie Botha is a Landscape architect and emerging international artist whose work reflects a keen interest
in human behaviours and experiences.

His most recent series of artworks explore the concept of people, creatures and things being placed out of context or place. The unknown, the intangible can create volatile and interesting situations, which are explored here by Eddie.

He depicts scenes of humans being out of place in nature or being placed out of their comfort zone, and thus faced with the often harsh realities of the environment and the human nature.

Perran Costi - Birds of a Feather - UV prints on glass with a Maplewood frame 240mm x 240mm $850.00

noreply@blogger.com (Sam Statham) — Thu, 05 Jul 2012 02:48:00 +0000

Perran Costi has never limited his artistic practice to a single medium. Instead Perran uses a multitude of mediums to create artworks that deal with the broad and elusive themes of morality, beauty, the self and the natural and built environment.

The Skyboxes touches on aspects of everyday life, of which he feels are often overlooked, and yet intensely beautiful. Whilst photography has the capacity to capture these moments in two dimensional forms it often fails to establish a sense of space. These works are therefore an examination of the sculptural form and an experiment in representing the world in which we live. By taking two dimensional images of Sydney, Melbourne and India and turning them back into a three dimensional space, each box becomes a miniature, yet abstract, world of its own.

Perran Costi - Berries - UV prints on glass with a Maplewood frame - 320mm x 320mm - $1050.00

noreply@blogger.com (Sam Statham) — Thu, 05 Jul 2012 02:47:00 +0000

Come and see us at SUSTAIN!

noreply@blogger.com (Sam Statham) — Tue, 26 Jun 2012 01:33:00 +0000

We are excited to announce that we have got a stand booked at the Sustain Expo in Sydney!

Come and try our new "Freedom" preservative free wine, our figs, olives, oil and of course plenty of our back vintage and current release wines!

Trade Day: 20 July
Public Days: 21 and 22 July

If you are coming make sure you contact us to get a free ticket!!!

My Favourite Organic Wines

noreply@blogger.com (Sam Statham) — Sat, 23 Jun 2012 01:19:00 +0000

By Sam Statham
If you have had Rosnay, hopefully you are "converted" to an organic wine drinker! You may be interested in my personal directory of my favourite organic wineries which we have done business with, visited, or at least tasted and met through industry networking... With the supermarkets taking over the trade around the country (including most recently our best and oldest outlet in Sydney, Balmain Village Cellars), its the time to support the organic wineries.

Temple Bruer Wines

www.templebruer.com.au
Langhorn Creek, Eden Valley and Loxton, SA
David Bruer makes great wines and is one of the pioneers of organic wine in Australia. We visited his vineyard when we were starting out and are always grateful for his generous advice. David started out as a chemist and so his approach to viticulture and winemaking is precision. His wines are consistent, solid, often quite bold, as seems to be the style of the region. He founded the Organic Vignerons of Australia (which was absorbed by the BFA). He is a leader in sustainabilty certification with his ISO 9001 and low carbon certification, and also in preservative free wines which now form a major part of the range.

Botobolar Wines

www.botobolar.com
Mudgee, NSW
The oldest organic vineyard in Australia. First planted in the 1970's organically by Gil Wahlquist, and taken over in the 90's by Kevin and Trina Karstrom, this iconic winery was the first port of call for us when we were investigating the organic options. Kevin's openness with all his techniques and tricks for organic viticulture was most impressive. Kevin would be more on the "artist" end of the winemaking spectrum, experimenting with parcels from his own as well as different vineyards, including Rosnay. Botobolar is also one of the largest unirrigated vineyards in Australia.

Wild Fox Wines

www.wildfoxwines.com
Gawler River, SA
Petros Markou is a lovely guy who started out in organic wine in his vineyad in SA about the same time as us. We often run into Petros at organic expos and wine shows, and I must say that both he and his wines are of great character. His preservative free wines have been very popular.

Gardners Ground

www.gardnersground.com.au
Canowindra, NSW
Herb and Jenny Gardner are our neighbours and friends but dont take my word for their wine quality - they won the trophy for best wine in the region a couple of years ago. Herb grows grapes with an engineers eye, and the vineyard is very tidy and well tended, and makes us over the road look untidy at times! They produce Shiraz and Chardonnay, from which some great table wines, methode champenoise, and preservative free wines. Definitely worth a try if you can get them. They are mainly distributed up in Queensland.

Wallington

www.wallingtonwines.com.au
Canowindra, NSW
Across the river, over a couple of hills and towards the rocky slopes of Mount Nangar, Margaret Wallington is the most recent vigneron our wine region to formally abandon chemicals and become certified as organic and Biodynamic. She has her own small winery, housed in a strawbale building, which itself is worth a look. There are some exciting varieties in her vineyard including Grenache, Petit Verdot, Mouverdre, Tempranillo and Viognier.

Pig in the House

www.piginthehouse.com.au
Canowindra, NSW
Jason O'Dea is a friend of mine but again, no need to take my word for the quality of his wine which beat ours at the last local wine show - so they must be pretty amazing ;) Hats off to Jason for going organic on his own vineyard, and hopefully more blocks as they are converted to organic, in what is the region's largest vineyard and only large scale winery. Its a pretty big risk to take but the fact is, as quoted in a recent post here, is that he has been getting his best Shiraz from organic blocks this year. Maybe this can help Jason, the younger generation, convert more hectares to organic.

Settlers Ridge

www.settlersridge.com.au
Cowaramup, WA
Wayne and Kaye Nobbs were fairly early starters in the organic wine movement, planting grapes in 1994. Settlers Ridge is the first IFOAM accredited winery in Australia (IFOAM being the highest organic status accepted world-wide). We often run into Kaye at the Organic Expo. One day when we get over to the West, we will certainly be dropping in.

Macquariedale

www.macquariedale.com.au
Rothbury, Hunter Valley, NSW
Ross and Derise McDonald grow some great Biodynamic Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Semillon, Chardonnay and Verdelho. Hats off to them for going organic and biodynamic in this coastal region, which can sometimes have disasterous rains and humidity in the growing season. The wines are great expressions of the Hunter Valley.

Battle of Bosworth

www.battleofbosworth.com.au
Willunga, McLaren Vale, SA
Joch Bosworth and Louise Helmsley Smith are continuing a family tradition in viticulture and produce some fantastic wines with a reputation for their sense of humour and innovation. For example, using Soursob as a living mulch, a plant that shades out the summemr weeds, and also features as the logo.

Kalleske

www.kalleske.com
Greenock, Barossa Valley, SA
This organic biodynamic vineyard is very imtpressive and one day we will have to go there. It has vines planted as long ago as 1875, has been going for 7 generations, and is a big 120 acres. Clearly lots of hard work from the brothers Troy and Tony is paying off with some great accolades at home and overseas.

Castagna

www.castagna.com.au
Beechworth, Northest Victoria
Richard and I met Julian and Carolann Castagna at the Biodynamic Conference at Tocal in 1997, and we were all setting out on the biodynamic journey. Their vineyard is a bit smaller than ours, but their reputation today dwarfs ours! Julians experience in France and his passion for Biodynamics combine to produce what are arguably some of the best wines in Australia. I did vintage there, briefly, in about 2004, and was most impressed by the detailed care given to every bunch, loving received into the state of the art strawbale winery. I like Julian's view that true biodynamic wine does not need certification, but the proof is in the wine.

Wright Robertson

www.wrightrobertson.com.au
Glencoe, New England NSW
Scott and Julie Wright grow some fine Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, Shiraz and Riesling in the high altitude of the New England plateau in northern NSW. We will have to drop in there on our next trip north.

Captains Creek

www.captainscreek.com
Blampied, Central Victoria
The May family are pioneers in the organic industry. Doug and Carolyn May are the third generation farming the land introducing wine grapes and establishing the vineyard in 1994 in a district traditionally cultivated for potato growing. Doug's brother Rod was a founder of the National Association for Sustainable Agriculture in Australia (NASAA) - and I suspect its his vegetables in the Organic Food Boxes promoted on the winery's website.

Tamburlaine

www.tamburlaine.com.au
Polkolbin, Broke, and Orange NSW
When Mark Davisdon went from "Environmentally Friendly" to "Certified Organic" in his vineyards, the organic wine movement took a double skip forward. Tamburlaine is now one the largest organic wine producers in the country, with nearly 300 acres certified in Pokolbin and Orange. The original winery is at Pokolbin, and the picturesque site is popular for weddings and has a 5 Star rating from James Halliday. The best wines are available only to club members. If I didnt get to taste them so often at shows and expos, I would have to join.

Robinvale

www.organicwines.com.au
Robinvale, Murray River VIC
We often see Steve Caracatsanoudis at organic shows and expos, and we love his wines. The vineyard was started by his father George in 1976, and in the heart of the Robinvale wine district, on the Murray River. We've been there a couple of times and are always impressed by Steve and Bill's passion for what they do. They have a huge wine range, including several preservative free wines.

Canonbah Bridge

www.canonbah.com.au
Warren, Western Slopes NSW
Shane and Tessa McLaughlin grow grapes on a semi arid property that has been in Shane's fmaily since the 1880's. The 30,000 acre sheep property now also grows 80 acres of Merlot, Grenache, Mourvedre, Semillon, Verdelho, Chardonnay and Tempranillo. They have been very successful in exporting the wines. I tried some great wines last year at he Carrington in Katoomba - including the '05 Shiraz Grenache Mourvedre and Drought Reserve wines.

Krinklewood

www.krinklewood.com
Broke-Fordwich, Hunter Valley NSW
A 50 acre biodynamic vineyard fully family owned and managed - sounds like Rosnay - but in the Hunter Valley... Rod Windrim from Krinklewood is one of the Hunter's best known boutique biodynamic vignerons and we love the wines, especially the Wild Red and Wild White. Rod holds lots of biodynamic workshops and events on the farm, which is conveniently close to Sydney and Newcastle. Thanks to "Organic Wine" for reminding me that I missed this great winery!

Freedom at Last! Organic And Preservative Free Wine

noreply@blogger.com (Sam Statham) — Tue, 05 Jun 2012 02:20:00 +0000

At last, its here.

After many years of hesitation, we have bitten the bullet and produced an organic AND preservative free red wine.

This is what the back label says:

Mourvèdre is a late ripening Spanish red wine grape widely grown in the south of France. It is resistant to drought and disease, and makes a soft and rustic wine, ideal with earthy flavours of root vegetables, mushrooms, grilled meats, game and duck. This wine is grown chemical-free and vinified without added preservatives. Enjoy now.

The original label painting by Florence Statham is of the Ibis who are wonderful and frequent visitors to Rosnay.

There is of course more to the story. We chose to use Mourvedre rather than Shiraz, Cabernet or Merlot because it makes such a nice, easy drinking wine, and it has been a component (albeit, a small component) of our Rose wines for many years, giving them a delicous earthy and brambly complexity. It is also the cleanest fruit, picked on 13 April (a "fruit" day) after a dry month of March.

Using Mourvedre, we are also celebrating the freedom to be different, which this certainly is - no doubt it is one of a kind in Australia. And also, it connects with our french roots, not only with the variety that is mainly grown in France, but with Florence's painting of the flight of the Ibis - echo of Florence's emigration to Australia.

According to the winemaker, Chris Derrez of Madrez Wine Services, its a very good wine, and now that malolactic ferment has finished the wine is bright and the fruit characters are very forward, supported by gentle oak.

We have just added the "Freedom" to our order form and will be expediting it to advance ordering customers as quickly as possible.

The Sweet Smell of Fig Syrup

noreply@blogger.com (Sam Statham) — Wed, 30 May 2012 12:39:00 +0000

Thanks to all who have patiently awaited the bottling of the Fig Syrup, finally bottled now just as the leaves fall from the fig trees onto the frosty ground.

The syrup is essentially the concentrated goodness of the figs in syrup, progressively accumulated and stored in the cool room until the end of the fig harvest. There is not a lot of it. It is made from figs boiled for 3 hours in a syrup of organic raw sugar, Rosnay port, a touch of vinegar, cinnamon and cloves. The smell is figgy, and the flavour competes with maple syrup. Its delicious with natural yoghurt, fruit compotes, pancakes, even porridge if you are naughty.

We are currently applying the labels but we just couldn't resist sharing the news now. And a few photos, courtesy of Anna and Dan, who are Aussies wwoofing their way around Australia, wisely picking the brains of growers before starting their own farm.

Bottling...

Bottled...

Enjoyed...

Available now...

Organic Shiraz Best in the Region - Expert

noreply@blogger.com (Sam Statham) — Thu, 24 May 2012 23:55:00 +0000

Canowindra Region 2012 Organic Vintage Report by Jason O'Dea, Family Member, General Manager and Viticultualist, Windowrie Estate

During 2012 vintage I looked at over 200 acres of Shiraz from within 100 miles of Canowindra and have no doubt in my mind the organic blocks were cleaner (ie had less disease) than conventional vineyards. I looked at 3 different organic vineyards and maybe 10 conventional vineyards

They had less Botrytis at harvest and better colour and structure in the finished wine. It was apparent across red varieties (Shiraz and Merlot and to a lesser extent Cabernet) but was not an issue for whites as it was dry during the white harvest.

A few observations:

Organic blocks were generally lower in yield however even light crops in conventional vineyards did not hold up as well.
It would be fair to say that lighter crops in conventional vineyards had larger /tighter bunches/berries and much bigger canopies than organic blocks.
The organic vineyards have a history of good pruning and well spaced bunches but many of the conventional vineyards did not. However even well spaced bunches in conventional vineyards did not hold up as well.
Air flow is considered a big issue for reducing botrytis incidence. While many of the organic vineyards had an open canopy (due to pruning well) there was a lot of trash under the vines and down the mid rows at critical times which was not the case for many conventional vineyards. (I started to wonder if the cobblers peg was fighting the Botrytis!)
I am unsure of spray programs across the organic vineyards however with a little investigation it does not seem that any one application was applied by all growers that was not also applied in conventional blocks.
I suspect that the skins on the organic fruit were slightly thicker (no measurements but generally smaller berries) although there was some serious splitting in the organic vineyards but the botrytis did not seem to follow as it did in many conventional vineyards even where the baume was in a suitable range for botrytis infection

I’m still scratching my head on the above but the wine produced by the organic blocks is definitely some of the best we have in the winery in what was an extremely difficult year.

About Jason (pictured above with Sam Statham from Rosnay and Herb Gardner from Gardners Ground): Jason O'Dea completed Viticulture at Charles Sturt University in Wagga Wagga in New South Wales in 1994. In 1996 he travelled for 18 months on a global vineyard discovery tour, studying different viticultural practices in North America, South America and Europe. Since returning to Australia, Jason has applied this knowledge to the management of Windowrie's vineyards while developing new ideas for further improvements to wine quality. Windowrie makes wine on contract for Rosnay and other organic vineyards in the region.
www.windowrie.com.au
www.piginthehouse.com.au

Barbell Lakes – Iridescent Esperance Acrylic on canvas: $ 1200

noreply@blogger.com (Sam Statham) — Mon, 21 May 2012 14:22:00 +0000

River meandering through the clouds- Cadmium Acrylic on canvas 150x60cm: $1200

noreply@blogger.com (Sam Statham) — Mon, 21 May 2012 14:22:00 +0000

Portrait of Invite Image by Arnie Arnold

noreply@blogger.com (Sam Statham) — Mon, 21 May 2012 14:21:00 +0000

Arnie Arnold employs a bold palette and a striking lines as a means to create landscapes and portraits of the female form that mirror dreamscapes. His works are simultaneously lighthearted and playful in nature, whilst also having erotic and dark undertones, allowing the artist to create a dialogue with the audience regarding the impacts of commercialisation and commodification.

Lost in Love by Damien Sydney

noreply@blogger.com (Sam Statham) — Mon, 21 May 2012 14:20:00 +0000

Damien Sydney’s most recent works reflect the unique light and vibrant colour of the landscapes he has visited . His work is primarily influenced by the differing cultural representations of natural environments and landscapes from his native Australia and other regions of which he has experienced through his extensive travel, including, China, India, Africa and the United States.

Florence's Olive Snails with Puff Pastry

noreply@blogger.com (Sam Statham) — Tue, 01 May 2012 21:27:00 +0000

Very easy and moorish... Ideal for parties

Puff pastry
Olive paste
Organic capers
Milk
Parmesan

Thaw the frozen sheet of puff pastry and cut it in half
Spread a layer of olive paste onto it, just as you would on a sandwich
Sprinkle caper berries over it (plus anything else you like, eg chopped pickled halapenos!)
Roll it up into a long log
Repeat a few times and put them into the freezer for an hour (optional, it just helps to cut them nicely)
Preheat the over very hot (>220deg)
Remomve the logs from the freezer and brush a little milk on top/outside of them
Slice the logs 1mm thick
Lay them on an oiled baking tray
Sprinkle parmesan cheese on top of each slice
Cook for 10-15 minutes
Optional - allow to dry but not overcook for 15 minutes in a cool oven (50deg-75deg)

Purple Cloud, bees wax oil on canvas by Elric Ringstad 150 x 130cm $1950

noreply@blogger.com (Sam Statham) — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 14:16:00 +0000

Grey Speeding, oil on linen by Peter Lankas 35.5 x 41cm $490

noreply@blogger.com (Sam Statham) — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 14:16:00 +0000

2012 Organic Vintage Report

noreply@blogger.com (Sam Statham) — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 08:02:00 +0000

By Sam Statham

The dust, or rather the mud, has finally settled after a marathon 2012 vintage of Rosnay organic wines and figs, and so we have time to post a brief rundown:

The season was very mild, in fact we could hardly call it a summer as there was only 5 days over 35 degrees maximum, and only 22 days that got over 30 degrees. Meanwhile we had regular rain and we hardly needed to irrigate at all. The biggest issue early in the season was keeping the grass down and managing the rampant canopy growth in the Shiraz. The new Fischer mower did a fantastic job, as long as you dont push it too hard and chop through the occasional vine trunk with it. It has a sensor that tiggers the hydraulic mower heads to move around the vines and mow the weeds under them. For controlling the canopy of the Shiraz, which by December was nearly touching between the rows, we began with hedge shears, and then upgraded to a petrol hedge trimmer mounted on the front of the suzuki ute, which did a fantsastic job as long as you drove very carefully.

Like last vintage we had serious mildew pressure, but this time we kept on top of it with sulfur and vegetable oil, and we got through to Christmas without powdery mildew. It was not until after the Chardonnay was harvested that we found mildew on some on the foliage, but that no longer mattered much. Meanwhile the floods came and put a real dampener on our expectations, but the reds actually held up amazingly well, again reinforcing in our minds that organic and biodynamic methods are the best especially late in the season, as many non-organic vineyards in the region had to abandon their reds. Due to the late season disease pressure, I again will avoid drinking mass produced conventional reds from 2012, as plenty of spraying was necessary.

Looking back now, as a result of the mild season, the vines actually cropped very well, and the quality in some of the vineyards was the best we have ever had, especially the Chardonnay, Merlot and Cabernet.

These are my diary notes for the Rosnay 2012 Vintage:

15/9/11 Chardonnay, just kicking off with a nice budburst.

30/11/11 Mourvedre, like the Shiraz, is vigorous and needs shoot thinning and trimming already if its not going to go feral.

27/1/12 I took this photo of the Chardonnay almost ready for picking for sparkling base. Some fruit exposed but not sunburnt and the majority nicely shaded with great acid.

28/1/12 I took this photo of the Shiraz ripening nicely after a slightly delayed veraison (when they turn from green to red, around new years day).

4/2/12 Today the harvest began with 18 tonnes of Chardonnay sparkling base. It is first made into the base wine at Windowrie before being sent to Vinpac for the pressurised fermentation (Charmat method).

11/2/12 I took this photo of our Aussie WWOOFer George picking the first figs of the season. Looks like a big crop could be coming off, as long as it doesn't rain!

13/2/12 I took this photo of our new beaut olive sprayer. This will keep those pesky Lace Bugs under control!

14/2/12 Today we hear that the NSW government allowed uranium mining. The vines dont like it. Herbicide drift is bad enough.

26/2/12 Floyd and me taking Chardonnay samples... Nearly ready to go.

28/2/12 Today we picked the Semillon (15 tonnes) and the rest of the Chardonnay for table wine (18 tonnes). The fruit is nice and ripe at 13 baume and some delicious stone fruit flavours already coming through. For the first time since 2007 we will be making a straight Semillon, and also a small amount of straight table Chardonnay.

2/3/12 Today is the third day of solid rain which totals almost 200mm. I took a photo of the "Little Belubula" flowing through the Merlot vineyard. This coincided with the Shiraz being almost ready for harvest, and quite high in sugar (nearly 13 baume).

10/3/2012 Woolstock: 100 people on the farm playing final ripening rock, blues and folk symphonies to the vines. Perfect weather.

13/3/12 Picked the Shiraz, total of 60 tonnes, part of which for another organic winery. Two weeks after the rain, we still got bogged twice. Baume was just over 12, however the flavour was very good, with fully ripened seeds and stems. Tannins are soft and ripe, and no nasty smells of botrytis in the must. Winemaker is happy.

16/3/12 Picked the Merlot, total 13 tonnes. No breakdowns. Didnt get bogged, but only just got the fruit in before we got hammered by a storm and 40mm of rain. I took this photo of Michelle checking out the fruit, of which about one third was open fermented, and plunged twice a day at the winery by Oli. It will then be blended back into the tank with the rest of the Merlot, and the resulting wine should be fantastic.

17/3/12 Interesting day, helping harvest at Windowrie. Jason wont mind me posting a photo of him getting his tow behind harvester out using a backhoe.

24/3/2012: 130 people watch Flickerfest films under the stars and enjoying the Rosnay wines under perfect starry skies.

27/3/2012 Picked the Cabernet, 23 tonnes. Whilst our refractometers said we had 13 baume, the juice arriving at the winery was 15 baume. The Cabernet ripened amazingly well, wityh zero botrytis infection and we didnt get bogged.

13/4/12 I took a few photos of the last block to be harvested: 6.5 tonnes of Mourvedre from in front of the guest cottage. Whilst the remainder of the wine is at Windowrie, this is being made at Madrez as a small batch of our first ever Preservative Free red wine. Some great jammy flavours and nice and ripe at 13.3 baume. We cant wait to see what Chris does with it. The photo includes Ted clearing out a blockage, getting nice cold fingers on an almost frosty morning.

16/4/12 The 100 Mile Dinner, a last hurrah for the vintage as 350 people had a glass of either Rosnay or Phillip Shaw sparkling wines as they arrive at the iconic dinner event in the main street of Canowindra. Happy days - let the organic wine flow!

Rosnay Sponsors the Heidelberg Symphony Orchestra

noreply@blogger.com (Sam Statham) — Wed, 28 Mar 2012 02:43:00 +0000

Rosnay is pleased to present its range of wines at the Heidelberg Symphony Orchestra Concert on Saturday, 31st March, 2012, to be held at the Ivanhoe Girls’ Grammar School Auditorium, Upper Heidelberg Road, Ivanhoe. The Guest Artist is pianist Amir Farid.

During interval patrons will be served a selection of Rosnay wines.

Heidelberg Symphony Orchestra is widely recognised as one of Melbourne’s most acclaimed non-professional orchestras, enabling it to attract talented and elite musicians from throughout Melbourne.
For over three decades, the HSO has been a valuable community asset by providing a venue for non-professional musicians to play, and offering an exceptional series of concerts each year to members of the community.

Other 2012 Concert Dates:

Saturday June 30, 8pm & Sunday July 1, 2.30pm ‘On the Waterfront’, Guest Artist – Tristram Williams – Trumpet
Saturday September 15, 8pm & Sunday September 16, 2.30pm ‘Heroes and the Wild Wild West’, Guest Artist – The Ashton Smith Singers
Saturday December 8, 8pm ‘Germanic Masters’, Guest Artist – Natsuko Yoshimoto – Violin

Bookings can be made at: www.heidelbergsymphony.com.au

Katherine Berger, Migrating, video (found footage)

noreply@blogger.com (Sam Statham) — Thu, 22 Mar 2012 13:15:00 +0000

David Kurzydlo, Untitled, oil on plywood

noreply@blogger.com (Sam Statham) — Thu, 22 Mar 2012 13:15:00 +0000

Dylan Demarchi, L Ecoute, fibre based silver gelatine print

noreply@blogger.com (Sam Statham) — Thu, 22 Mar 2012 13:14:00 +0000

Lina Zainal, Untitled, acrylic and varnish on canvas

noreply@blogger.com (Sam Statham) — Wed, 21 Mar 2012 13:14:00 +0000

Marnie Ross, Between Crimson (1 of 3), oil and enamel on raw linen

noreply@blogger.com (Sam Statham) — Wed, 21 Mar 2012 13:13:00 +0000

Sam Mitchel-Fin, The Size of an Argument, neon light installation

noreply@blogger.com (Sam Statham) — Wed, 21 Mar 2012 13:11:00 +0000

Featured Restaurant - The Quarry

noreply@blogger.com (Sam Statham) — Sun, 04 Mar 2012 00:50:00 +0000

Anne and Paul Loveridge are the proprietors of The Quarry Restaurant and Cellar Door, situated 4.5kms from the Cowra Visitors Centre on the Booroowa Road. As Cowra's longest standing restaurant and cellar door, The Quarry offers wine tasting, great coffee from Art of Espresso, and delicious lunch and dinner menus focusing on local produce. The Quarry provides a memorable visit in a beautiful garden setting and is ideal for weddings and functions in the lovely shaded terrace and gardens.

The Cellar Door, open Tuesday to Sunday, offers tastings and sales of some of the best wines including wine from the oldest vineyard, Cowra Estate. Also on offer are award winning wines from Swinging Bridge, Rosnay Organic Wines, Mulyan, Spring Ridge, Kalari as well as The Quarry's own label. The Quarry also stocks local produce such as olive oil, olives, dressings and preserves from Rosnay Organic Farm, La Barre and Tall Poppy Gourmet.

Chefs Anne & Paul Loveridge are renowned in the region for their professional attitude to catering and have catered for the prestigious Cowra Wine Show Presentation Dinner every year for the past 26 years. Theirs is a a Modern Australian style centred on utilising the best of regional produce. Anne, who runs the front of house, is proud of her unique number of local wines available by the glass, approximately 20.

Rosnay is proud to be featured at The Quarry, where according to Anne, "We taste and sell more of the Rosnay wines than any other local vineyard, we also sell the complete range of Rosnay produce, and Rosnay wines are featured strongly in the restaurant by the glass and bottle."

Rosnay had a wine dinner at the Quarry in May 2010 and is planning to have another one in 2012.

Should you be planning a function at the Quarry and would like to add an extra dimension to your event, you may like to invite a representative of Rosnay to make a brief presentation. Either Richard or Sam Statham would be more than happy to present to your group on the organic viticulture and winemaking of the Rosnay wines.

Open Time
Cellar Door - Tuesday to Sunday 10am - 4pm.
Lunch from 12 noon Thursday - Sunday.
Dinner from 6.30pm Friday & Saturday

Address: 7191 Boorowa Road, Cowra NSW 2794
Telephone: 02 6342 3650
Fax: 02 6341 4191

Email: quarry@bigpond.net.au

Website: www.thequarryrestaurant.com.au

Flickerfest at Rosnay - Best of Australian Shorts Line up

noreply@blogger.com (Sam Statham) — Wed, 29 Feb 2012 02:13:00 +0000

In 2012, Flickerfest is celebrating:

21 years as Australia’s only Academy® Accredited and BAFTA recognised short film festival
A record 2200 entries received
A record 37 venue National Tour
The calibre of this year’s program is undeniable with several films screening at some of the world’s most prominent and revered film festivals including Sundance and Cannes.

To be screened at Rosnay on 24 March, the Best Of Australian Shorts programme provides a platform that showcases our amazing Australian filmmaking talents.

For screening times and bookings visit this page..

Programme duration 113 minutes.

FISH & CHIPS
Australia/15 min/Video/2011
WRI/DIR: Anna Broinowski
PROD: Steve Kearney & Leanne Tonkes
When 10 year old Pauline Hanson goes on Chef of the Universe to cook against culinary geniuses Barry, Kim and Vlad, she breaks the rules – and turns the whole world upside down.
World Premiere

AFTER THE CREDITS
Australia/15 min/Digibeta/2011
WRI/ DIR: Josh Lawson
PROD: Miranda Culley
We’ve seen it a hundred times before- boy meets girl, boy gets girl, boy loses girl, boy gets girl back, and they live happily ever after. Until the credits roll. And AFTER that, it’s a completely different story.
Australian Premiere. Los Angeles International Short Film Festival 2011 Winner – Best Comedy Australian Writer’s Guild Awards 2011 Nominated – Best Original Screenplay
25th Village Roadshow Queensland New Filmmakers Awards Nominated – Best Drama. Palm Springs Short Film Fest 2011 Official Selection

CROSSHAIRS
Australia/12 min/Video/2011
WRI: Peter Templeman
DIR: Mike Hoath
PROD: Dan Wood
Beau and Jamie two brothers from a rural Western Australian town are caught poaching a lamb from a
neighbouring property. When Beau refuses to go quietly his younger brother becomes a pawn in a violent showdown.
Australian Premiere

NULLARBOR
Australia/10 min/Video/2011
WRI: Alister Lockhart & Patrick Sarell
PROD: Katrina Mathers, Merrin Jensen, Patrick Sarell & Daryl Munton
Brash young punk Bernie is desperate for a cigarette as he cruises across the vast and barren landscape of Australia’s Nullarbor Plain; the longest, straightest stretch of road in the world. When he encounters cantankerous old Waddy in his rusty old jalopy, a contemporary road-rage ‘tortoise and hare’ story ensues.
Melbourne International Film Festival 2011 – Holmseglen Award for Best Animation Short Film. Palm Springs International ShortFest 2011 – Special Jury Award
Annecy International Animation Festival 2011. Edinburgh International Film Festival 2011
Best Sound Design – Flickerfest 2012

THE OP SHOP
Australia/7 min/Video/2011
WRI: Christopher Gist
DIR: Lee Rogers
PROD: Lee Rogers, Christopher Gist & Paul Kooperman
It came in a box. No name. No job description. Just a strange donation that three women at an op shop were determined to sell for $3.50. But then…and then again…and once more…they unlock the mystery.
World Premiere

TWO LAPS
Australia/5 min/Video/2011
WRI/DIR: Owen Trevor
PROD: Lucas Jenner
Two Friends. One Race. Two Laps. No Prisoners.
SXSW. Sydney International Film Festival. Stockport Short Film Fest

FROM HERE
Australia/9 min/Video/2011
WRI/DIR: Nick Waterman
PROD: Charlotte McLellan
From Here explores the reality of facing death during the final conversation between a young man and his grandmother. This brief moment in time captures the ever-changing relationship between
past and present and the disorientating experience of saying goodbye.
World Premiere

COCKATOO
Australia/11 min/Video/2011
WRI/DIR: Matthew Jenkin
PROD: Matthew Jenkin & Oliver Leimbach
On the sixth month anniversary of his break-up with his ex-girlfriend, Michael decides to celebrate by ordering a girl from an agency and tries to recreate his failed relationship. Sometimes it’s best to let sleeping birds lie…
World Premiere. SMH Award for Best Original Screenplay In An Australian Short Film – Flickerfest 2012

PARIS LAKES
Australia/5 min/Video/2011
WRI/DIR/PROD: Robert Stephenson
The new suburb of Paris Lakes has all the conveniences desired for modern living. It’s an oasis in the endless sprawl between city and country. Put your roots down there and you’ll stay forever.
Australian Premiere, Annecy International Animation Festival 2011

BEAR
Australia/11 min/35MM/2011
WRI: Nash Edgerton & David Michôd
DIR: Nash Edgerton
PROD: Lauren Edwards & John Polson
Jack means well, but sometimes good intentions have horrible consequences.
Cannes International Film Festival- Nominated for Palm d’Or for Best Short Film. BFI London Film Festival. Iceburgs Dining Room & Bar for Best Direction in an Australian Short Film – Flickerfest 2012

JULIAN
Australia/13 min/Video/2011
WRI/DIR/PROD: Matthew Moore
Set in a year 4 classroom in 1981 Julian explores a day in the life of a 9 year old boy. Julian’s need to speak his truth and his strong urge to do what he thinks is right begins to unravel his world. How does Julian deal with a bully an impatient teacher turning a blind eye and a Principal with a secret? As Julian faces these challenges we begin to see qualities emerge that will inform the man he is to become.
World Premiere. Berlin International Film Festival 2012- Crystal Bear Nominee
Special Jury Award – Flickerfest 2012

Flickerfest 2012 ends at Rosnay on 24 March!

noreply@blogger.com (Sam Statham) — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 04:37:00 +0000

Mark the date: Saturday 24 March is Flickerfest 2012 at Rosnay!

Its time to wrap your JAWS around some great bite sized chunks of cinema and a glass of great organic wine at FLICKERFEST 2012! Kicking off tonight at Bondi Beach, Sydney, it goes for 10 days then takes off on the annual national tour, culminating with the final screening under the stars at Rosnay! By the way, we have some spare tickets for both Sydney and the tour, so if you want to go as a Rosnay guest, call us!
This is the third year that Flickerfest's has screened at the Rosnay vineyard, projected onto the Pics in the Sticks outsdoor screen on the lawns in front of the Rosnay cellar door. Check out the tour trailer!

2012 Flickerfest prestented by ING DIRECT - Tour Trailer from Flickerfest on Vimeo.

If you havent done a tour of Rosnay before, why not drop in early for a FREE afternoon farm tour with the growers? See what all the fuss is about with organic farming, why its better for the environment and your health, before enjoying a glass of Rosnay wine at sunset. Here is the program:

4.30-6.30pm Farm Tour
6.30-8.00pm Dinner and drinks
8.00-9.00pm Films - First Set
9.00-9.30pm Coffee and Cake
9.30-10.30pm Films - Second Set

Dinner will be provided Andrew Wooldridge featuring Rosnay lamb curry. RSVP for Dinner is Tuesday 20 March, to give Wooly time to prepare.
RSVP: Please use the booking form below.
Cost: $20 Films only, and $35 for films and Wooly's organic lamb curry. Children are half price but note that the films are rated MA15+. Of course you can BYO picnic, but not alcohol please, as Rosnay Cellar Door is licenced.
What to bring: Rug, cushions and/or chair to sit on the lawn. Warm clothes in case its chilly. Designated driver if drinking. If not having the dinner, bring a picnic basket.
WET WEATHER: We all know about wet weather. Well this year's contingency location is the beautiful Billimari Hall, just 4km from Rosnay, towards Cowra. If there is a change of venue we will give you a call so please make sure you use the booking form.

LOCAL TICKET OUTLET: Tickets can now be purchased from the Cowra Visitors Centre, the Canowindra Age of Fishes Museum, and Finns Old Store Cafe.

<p>&amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Loading...&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;gt;</p>

Woolstock 2012 is on 10 March 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Sam Statham) — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 06:31:00 +0000

Download the OFFICIAL INVITE!!

To all our friends who always seem to find out too late about the biggest underground music event in the West, the date has finally been set. Wooly, who as the festival founder has no qualms in naming it after himself, has set the date for Woolstock 2012 to be Saturday 10th of March.

So, make a note in your cultural diary and start collecting your musical instruments, lyrics, poems, tents, musical pots and pans, and anything else you might need for a weekend of camping and jamming.

The venue was up in the air for a while, but nows its landed back on Rivers Road Organic Farms, right next to Margie and Wooly's house again.

If you want to perform with a time slot (as opposed to jamming with the rest of us later in the night), you should contact Wooly on margwool@bigpond.com

In conclusion, I am posting one interesting photo from last year. Wooly was unable to be there in body, but he was there in spirit, in the form of a "Wooly Scarecrow". This year we hope to have him in the flesh playing his classic rockabilly guitar.

Birds of Rosnay

noreply@blogger.com (Sam Statham) — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 01:16:00 +0000

Bird photos taken in and around Rosnay by French bird watchers Jacky and Miyuki Galloy, December 2011-January 2012.

Organic Cocktail Madness

noreply@blogger.com (Sam Statham) — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 13:11:00 +0000

Our mate Jaxon Valentine from the Organic Cocktail Company has been impressing us for years with his craft, and this is an unabashed copy and paste from his great website, http://organiccocktail.com

Organic Bella Bellini

90ml Rosnay Organic Sparkling Chardonnay

15ml OCC organic white peach liqueur

30ml organic apricot puree

15ml organic lemon juice

Garnish - fresh raspberries

Blue Cue Cobber

15ml Square One Organic Cucumber Vodka

90ml Rosnay sparkling chardonnay

15ml Pheonix organic pear juice

15ml organic lemon juice

6-8 bluberries

6-8 cucumber slices

Lemon twists

Garnish: Cucumber Spear/bluberries

Of course, we recommend Jaxon for corporate training and team building, organic liqueur tastings and bar consultancy. Thanks Jaxon!

Go for the O! 2012 Nominations Open

noreply@blogger.com (Sam Statham) — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 12:52:00 +0000

Feathers and sterling silver by Luke Arnold

noreply@blogger.com (Sam Statham) — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 04:59:00 +0000

Feathers and sterling silver by Luke Arnold, $280, Kaleidoscope Gallery

Untitled by Grace Blacket

noreply@blogger.com (Sam Statham) — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 04:53:00 +0000

Untitled by Grace Blacket, charcoal on paper, $80, Kaleidoscope Gallery

Untitled by Caroline Christie

noreply@blogger.com (Sam Statham) — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 04:52:00 +0000

Untitled by Caroline Christie, charcoal on paper, $80, Kaleidoscope Gallery

Untitled by Garrie Clark

noreply@blogger.com (Sam Statham) — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 04:50:00 +0000

Untitled by Garrie Clark, oil on canvas, $700, Kaleidoscope Gallery

Untitled by Kate Kilpatrick–Gilbraith

noreply@blogger.com (Sam Statham) — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 04:48:00 +0000

Untitled by Kate Kilpatrick – Gilbraith, charcoal on paper, $80, Kaleidoscope Gallery

Glitterati by Tamarah Quelch Niccol

noreply@blogger.com (Sam Statham) — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 04:39:00 +0000

Glitterati by Tamarah Quelch Niccol, 2010, Acrylic on Canvas, $POA, Kaleidoscope Gallery

Mothers-toys by Marco Grilli

noreply@blogger.com (Sam Statham) — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 04:36:00 +0000

Mothers-toys by Marco Grilli, 2010, Oil on Canvas, 120cm x 94cm, $850, Kaleidoscope Gallery

Motherlove by Ida Jaros

noreply@blogger.com (Sam Statham) — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 04:34:00 +0000

Motherlove by Ida Jaros, 2007, Mixed media,framed 126cm x 149cm, $POA, Kaleidoscope Gallery

Her erosion by Marco Grilli

noreply@blogger.com (Sam Statham) — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 04:32:00 +0000

Her erosion by Marco Grilli, 2011, Oil on Canvas, 90cm x 60cm, $850, Kaleidoscope Gallery

Have you got the Gold Book?

noreply@blogger.com (Sam Statham) — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 01:15:00 +0000

Of course, we love this book. Not only because it includes Rosnay and a lot of our favourite wines, but because Rob Geddes has a true interest in the small producers in the far flung regions that the majority of wine writers seldom visit. Master of Wine, Rob has been out here as a guest of the Cowra Region Vineyard Association, as has Max Allen. I recommend this as a very handy Australian wine reference - you can get it in the hard copy or as an "epublication", from www.thegoldbook.com.au. Next year is the 30th anniversary edition of this truly collectable series that is going as strong as ever under Rob Geddes - well done Rob!

Out of interest, this is what Rob wrote about the Rosnay Triple Blend...

ROSNAY TRIPLE BLEND ★★★★
Cabernet, shiraz and merlot here have tart tangy fruit with a slight drying finish and although these wines have no cranberries in them, they offer the positive flavour and texture effects of drinking the juice with distinctive medium-weight tannins, high-ish acidity, bright fruit and classic astringent finish. Very consistent style.
2004 88 points, drink until 2014
2005 86 points, drink until 2014
2006 87 points, drink until 2016
2008 88 points, drink until 2018

Our new Sydney sales guys are tops

noreply@blogger.com (Sam Statham) — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 07:47:00 +0000

Craig Smalley, Oli Statham and Gary Crawford

Oli and Sam got to meet Craig Smalley and Gary Crawford from Australian Independent Wine Wholesalers at the Mind Body Spirit Festival, and its with great pleasure that we now introduce them to the Sydney wine trade as our new reps. Both come from the mainstream wine game with many years or trade service experience and we look forward to working with them. Craig (tel 0457 009 191) looks after north of the harbour, and Gary (tel 0418 870 550) looks after the south side. Oli is pursuing a diverse musical and environmental career but still helps out with Rosnay tastings and promotions.

Click on our Distributors page to see the full list of reps!

Thankyou Costa!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Sam Statham) — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 07:39:00 +0000

A huge thankyou goes out to Costa for giving so much time to come out to Canowindra last weekend. Here are a few pics!

Launching the Canowindra Community Garden...

Inspiring at the Union Bank...

Inspecting the Rosnay olives...

What more could you ask for from a mortal man?

Have a Love Feast with us at Agape Restaurant!

noreply@blogger.com (Sam Statham) — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 03:59:00 +0000

Agape is greek for Unconditional Love, so we thought we'd have to celebrate the festive season with a Love Feast at Sydney's finest organic restaurant, Agape, in Botany.

Our dear friend Deb King has lined the Feast up for 8pm on Friday 16th of December 2011...

It will be a set menu (slightly different to past 2 evenings for those who have been before) and cost $63 per head including service, NOT including drinks. A selection of Rosnay wines will be available at the bar and Sam Statham will be there to talk a bit about them and organic farming generally.

In case you dont know Agape, its the venture of acclaimed chef Simon Lawson, and his sisters and mother. The whole family are not only huge advocates of quality, reasonably priced organic food, but also generous supporters of the organic movement and those less fortunate than us in Africa through the Agape Community.

Check it out and join us on the 16th!! Being a famous restaurant and all we will need to book in early. Email or call Sam on 1300 767629 to book.

Canowindra Community Garden - Looking Nice and Curvy

noreply@blogger.com (Sam Statham) — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 04:23:00 +0000

Lets not stop with a curvy main street. The brand new Canowindra Community Garden, to be launched by no less than Costa himself next week, is looking awesome following the working bee, or better, "bendy backyard blitz", of last weekend. Looking forward to Julia's blog post on this soon, but for now, here's just a piccie I took from the shady "contemplation corner", with the lovely Simone Statham and young Floyd in the sling! In brief, we put in a curvy fence (or better, "wavelike", made from old Rosnay vineyard posts), marked out a curvy path (designed by Chris and incorporating the Fibonacci spiral), dug out the "husband killer" oleander shrubs, rotary hoed in the couch grass with compost from Canowindra Produce (vegetarian compost from straw but it smelt like poo!), put on dolomite and lime courtesy of Wooly and Margie, installed Owen and Mark's awesome steel archway gate, thanked the "Big Fella" for the free BBQ lunches that appeared in the shade of the church, washed it down with lashings of Hamilton's Bluff Sangiovese sangria, watered the compost, sprayed biodynamic 500, hung out with the kids, talked to passing wide-eyed locals, mulched with lucerne hay from Mark Ward (and others), and viola! Ready for Costa to do his magic next Thursday!
A big thanks of course to the Canowindra Uniting Church for letting it all happen in their yard, and of course, Chris for coordinating it.

A Ripper Spring of gardening, food and wine is coming up!

noreply@blogger.com (Sam Statham) — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 23:43:00 +0000

Its shaping up to be a busy spring... Here are a few upcoming events with Rosnay involved...

Saturday 22 October, at Canowindra, join us for the Canowindra@Home NIGHT MARKET. This event has been running for a few years now and its an excellent night out. Local producers cook up their produce in small $5 plates so you can put a great dinner together with your favourite local food and wine. Canowindra@Home is a vibrant group of producers and foodies who you can read all about on their great new website, http://canowindraathome.org.au

Thursday 27 October join us and COSTA for the official opening of the CANOWINDRA COMMUNITY GARDEN! The countdown is on before Costa, from Costa's Garden Odyssey, arrives to cut the ribbon and run workshops with the local shool kids as part of a huge launch day. The CCG Working Group aims to have enough materials and manpower on the opening day so that community participants can put down the foundations of the garden, including raised garden beds, compost heaps, worm farms, and the first of what is hoped to be many vegetable plots. CCG spokesperson Chris Cuddy says that the whole community is invited to participate in the garden in whatever way they can. “We know there are people in our community with a wealth of knowledge and experience in growing productive gardens, and there are many more who want to learn” said Chris. “We are hoping that the gardens will provide a meeting point for members of the community, whether they be gardeners, students, cooks, or people simply wanting to be actively involved within the community” he said. Approval has been given to use the grounds of the Uniting Church, on the corner of Blatchford and Short Streets, which is central and accessible for most members of the community. A working bee will be held this weekend of 15-16 October to establish a boundary fence and basic infrastructure of the garden. The group is grateful for any donations of gardening materials or tools.
Info: Chris Cuddy on 0427 077 798.

Friday 28 October, in Orange, we have organised COSTA'S URBAN GARDEN WORKSHOP with Union Bank Wine Bar. Featuring Costa the Garden Guru as seen on SBS, who has been out to Rosnay and will be fired up following the community garden launch in Canowindra. Bring along your questions and talk to Costa in person, and check out the new sustainable and organic Union Bank kitchen garden, featuring the latest vertical garden systems. Books and the latest gardening tools will also be on display as you enjoy a free taste of Rosnay Organic Wines. This event is FREE! TIME 3.30-5.30pm BOOKINGS: Not required - just come along!

Saturday 29 October, join us for the annual ORGANIC+SUSTAINABLE FOOD AND WINE DINNER as part of Orange Wine Week. Hosted by Rosnay Organic and Jarrett Wines, this event matches the best organic wine from the neighbouring regions of Orange and Cowra with delicious local and/or organic food from the Union Bank kitchen. Learn about the true regional flavours with wine that has been grown without any nitrate fertiliser or pseticides - and have a great night out with us! Tickets are selling fast so be sure to book early.
Time: 6PM
Cost: $95 pp
Info: http://www.unionbank.com.au/news.php
Bookings essential: functions@unionbank.com.au or 1300 721 731

Rosnay comes to Sydney again for the MIND BODY SPIRIT FESTIVAL in Darling Harbour, on 3-6 November. Join Sam and Oli for a taste of the latest Rosnay wines, including the newly released "2011 Blanc". This year's MBS looks as unique, vibrant and interesting as ever. We have a bunch of free tickets so it needn't cost you a cent to get in - just call contact us through the website to let us know you are coming, and we'll have the ticket ready.
Cost: $18 adults $15 concessions, kids are FREE
Info: 03 9276 5501 or visit http://www.mbsfestival.com.au/sydney-details.htm