Narkoojee winery at Glengarry is raising a glass to a successful family operation.
Harry and Val Friend run the winery and restaurant with their son Axel on a former dairy farm that has been in the family since 1940.
From humble beginnings as a cellar door operating from the Friends’ bungalow, the winery now boasts a five red star status bestowed by esteemed wine critic, James Halliday.
The winery is regarded for winning awards over time and most recently, four wines scored 94 points and above in the 2020 Halliday Wine Companion.
Narkoojee’s 10 styles of wines appeal to any taste and budget, all produced from the 34-acre vineyard.
The Valerie range of wines was introduced in 2013 after an exceptional season, and includes chardonnay, pinot noir and shiraz, all paying tribute to label co-founder, Valerie Friend.
“Latrobe City is positioned in the centre of the food bowl of Victoria. Gippsland is rich and diverse in its offerings and we are an easy day trip from Melbourne and Mornington, where many of our weekend trade reside,” the winery’s Venue Manager Deanna Ingravalle said.
At the Narkoojee restaurant, guests are treated to a tantalising selection of dishes with seasonal menus inspired by the Mediterranean. Local and seasonal produce is offered, with some grown onsite.
The restaurant seats 50, complemented by a deck that seats a further 60 diners and there is capacity for another 100 in the Barrel Room.
The restaurant adjoins the cellar door where visitors can sample wines before their meals, and buy a bottle or two.
“We are attempting to appeal to families with younger children utilising the large area of land we have surrounding the restaurant. We are encouraging picnic style dining for them as the weather and hopefully COVID restrictions improve,” Deanna said.
“During COVID, we have had to navigate a new direction for the wine sales which includes learning about social media and online marketing. We have formed a marketing team and have fortnightly meetings to work on moving forward in these uncertain times.
“People can still support us by buying directly through us, whether it is via our website or our social media sites. We have set up Click and Collect and we deliver.
“We have learnt that when faced with adversity, you need to quickly analyse, redirect and refocus your business model to suit the current environment, and to become flexible and creative to adapt.”
Wines can also be bought online and found in local restaurants, cafes and liquor shops across Gippsland and Greater Melbourne.
The restaurant and cellar door remained open during stage two restrictions with limited seating, but have had to close for a second time due to stage three restrictions. Check the website for the latest details. Bookings will be essential when they re-open.
Wine can also be bought on-site by appointment.
www.narkoojee.com
facebook.com/narkoojee/
instagram.com/narkoojeewinery/