Vinea Marson
Star Cellar Door
It was while working alongside the legendary John Middleton at Mount Mary in the Yarra Valley that Mario Marson began looking for a place to make his mark. He chose Heathcote for its temperate climate and together with his wife, Helen, he created Vinea Marson. Plantings began in 2000, inspired by Marson’s desire to work with sangiovese and nebbiolo, while family connection in Friuli was the impetus for planting white varieties. Texturally complex white wines are made from pinot bianco, malvasia istriana and friulano, with prosecco (from the King Valley) completing the range. Shiraz is a feature here, too; co-fermented with viognier and made in a savoury, earthy style. Vinea Marson is a true family business: daughter Madeleine has a flair for marketing and customer engagement. Studying winemaking adds another string to her bow. The cellar door is rustic and intimate with tastings held at the communal table. Tasting is paired with antipasti, as well as warmth and connection from the staff. NICOLE BILSON
OUTSTANDING WINE: 2016 Vinea Marson Sangiovese, A$38