THE MONTALTO Way
By Melissa Walsh Photos Garry Sissons
W
ith rolling hills dotted with vines and olive trees, and views that span across the countryside, the Mitchell family have certainly created the lifestyle that epitomises their love of food, wine, art and the natural landscape. And, at their winery and olive grove, Montalto, they generously share these loves with anyone who comes to visit. The vineyard was originally planted in 1986 however John and Wendy purchased the property - with the planted vineyard already in place - in 1997. For John and Wendy, and their daughter Heidi, the passion for the winery is as strong as the day they started. “It all came about from our holidays in the south of France each year. We would go to the supermarket and buy a bottle of rose with friends and drive towards Italy where we would see the hills with vines heading down to the ocean,” said John, owner of Montalto. “Every year with the family we would see these vineyards and just loved it. Not because we were big foodies or even wine connoisseurs but we loved the lifestyle.” At the time, John, Wendy and the kids had a beach house at Balnarring beach and John decided when they return home he would plant 50 vines at the front of the house. “Within two years, I did a short viticulture course while I was still working in the corporate world, we bought this land and planted some vines with the view of having a little hobby vineyard. All I needed was a tractor and some secateurs,” he said with a laugh. It was daughter Heidi, who suggested they make the winery into something more. For Heidi, who had worked as a lawyer, the idea of a winery appealed as did the idea of moving back to the peninsula. “My husband and I decided it would be a nicer, quieter life here and I had a chat to dad about doing more in the business,” said Heidi, who has worked there on and off while having her children, starting up full time again this year.
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70 | PENINSULA
April 2019