Lunch in the Hills of Hall
12 November 2015 / Story: Ken Keeling; Photos: Tony McDonald & Ken Keeling
Canberra Chapter Run – 18th October 2015
This year our “Gourmet Gallop in Spring” moved to The Hills of Hall with the Vineyard Café at Brindabella Hills Winery the venue. As we neither wanted to hire the venue or have an “alternate serve” menu, a limit of 25 diners was agreed with café management. To provide at least some car time, a short pre-lunch run with sufficient time for product evaluation was planned.
Notwithstanding last minute cancellations and additions, 10 MX5s plus 2 “other” cars and 23 people were ready to leave our assembly point on time at 10.30 sharp! Departure northwards via the new Majura Parkway to skirt around ever-expanding Gungahlin added only some 15 kms to the most direct route and had us at the venue on time, remarkably without losing anyone en-route through the suburbs.
The winery at Brindabella Hills provides a modern winemaking facility for small local vineyards and a tour and very informative and interesting talk on grape varieties and modern techniques was provided by oenologist (winemaker) Brian Sinclair.
Brian’s talk was accompanied by ample opportunity to taste palate-pleasing examples of his current and past products for various local vineyards, which was not only well received by our group but also well demonstrated our eagerness to learn…..
Somewhat later than scheduled, we were all seated in the attractive Vineyard Café overlooking the Murrumbidgee Valley back-dropped against the impressive Brindabella Hills - what an appropriately named venue! The Café’s a la carte menu offered something to tempt everyone and dining was soon under-way, accompanied by the vineyard’s wines - very palate pleasing.
As some had afternoon commitments, it was decided that the “run” would finish after lunch and it would be a laissez faire return home. A modicum of negotiation about just which partner would be the “designated responsible adult” for the trip home was noted. Fortunately, everyone seemed to reach an amicable outcome.
Feedback received post-run indicates that our Lunch in the Hills of Hall has been yet another very enjoyable outing in great cars and company by the Canberra Chapter.
