A large, worn wooden table fills the simple cellar door space, giving a homely touch that feels welcoming and intimate. Glassware is appropriately fancy without being ostentatious, and charcuterie plates appear during extended tastings. The cellar door ‘house’ has delightful views over the expanse of Freeman’s vineyard, and the aspect offers the opportunity to see amazing sunsets over the Hilltops region.
Arrange an appointment and Dr Brian Freeman, founder of Freeman Vineyards, or one of his winemaker daughters will likely pour you wine. It’s an additional touch that elevates the experience, as do stories of local history that include details about the historic soldier-settler homes that dot the estate vineyards.
Sometimes it’s not the most modern cellar doors in which the best wine experiences are to be had. Freeman Vineyards is one of those wonderfully genuine places where the fascinating wines are the main attraction, while the functional, authentic facilities are a conduit for a memorable tasting. Mike Bennie