The Hamilton Hamper - Meet the Maker series

Meet the Makers: Pierrepoint Wines - Jennifer Lacey

 

Meet the Makers - Pierrepoint Wines at The Hamilton Hamper

This feature invites you into the world of Pierrepoint Wines (pronounced 'Peer-point') which have been stocked at The Hamilton Hamper for a number of years.  It is a popular seller and we can't wait to share more with you about the people behind these locally produced wines. We managed to catch up with Jennifer to talk about the wines they produce and were immediately drawn to her passion for the area.

The Lacey family, Andrew and Jennifer own and operate their vineyard in the heart of the Henty Wine Region of Western Victoria, Tarrington - close by Hamilton.  Andrew (vineyard manager) and Jennifer (owner of a multitude of hats across the operation), their children and a collection of animals are the essence of Pierrepoint Wines. Together they produce an outstanding, award winning wine collection based on the philosophy of allowing nature and seasonal variation to be expressed in the wines.  The wines they produce are a direct reflection of the vineyard; each bottle, a result of what happened in the vineyard during the growing season.  

The difference

The location is a major element when it comes to identifying the characters of the Pierrepoint Wines; the red volcanic soils of the area impart something distinctive and special. This is particularly true for our Sparkling Pinot Gris, there is an aromatic profile of golden delicious apples, melon & quince with a crispness and extra depth with an outstanding clean finish.  Jennifer knows this wine is special and a strong seller.  The Pierrepoint Sparkling Pinot Gris is the perfect wine to serve as a cleanser between courses but sis simply elegant on its own, especially to celebrate that special occasion. The Hamilton Hamper features this wine in-store and as part of the hamper collections.          

Pierrepoint Wines in-store at The Hamilton Hamper

The family business   

Operating your own business allows for flexibility and this was important when their children were younger.  It allowed Jennifer to be a stay at home mum and be involved in the business at the same time!  “The Pinot Noir is the same age as our Son so we were “training” a 3rd, a baby (Nick) and the young Pinot vines to the wire whilst creating an English garden around our Edwardian home.  As the vines matured, we were unable to sell the Pinot fruit, so we began to make the Pinot onsite.  In 2013, with a Winemaker making our 5 wines, the Cellar Door opened”.  

Jennifer now looks after the cellar door, local wholesale sales, their events, accommodation and staff so there is always plenty to keep her busy.  With harvest over, it is a time for reflection, to celebrate all that has been achieved across the business and especially a time to thank those locals - in addition to our regular crew - who replaced the missing back packers at harvest. Jennifer talks about her passion for Tourism “It is a lovely industry to be involved with: Tourists are relaxed, happy, interested in what you do and like to ask a local for tips about the area; in fact my husband is constantly nudging me to stop talking!”

Connection to community

When you speak to Jennifer, you can’t help but feel instantly connected to the passion she has to for her location and being involved with The Hamilton Hamper, and she shares so willingly.

We asked Jennifer what three key elements stood out about living where she does.

  1. The landscape and richness of the soil produces amazing products such as wines as well as supporting the livestock and varied cropping operations throughout the area.
  2. The level of education offered in the area.  Jennifer commented her children are impressed with the level of education they received in reflection!
  3. The strength of community there is in Hamilton and surrounding areas.  There is a strong sense of community and support by residents, good facilities for all ages and the location has you close to the ocean, the bush and cities. 

Jennifer has a passion for the Grampians and western region of Victoria and is proud to champion not only local produce but all the region has to offer.  There is almost a school girl like enthusiasm when Jennifer starts to talk about the support businesses share for each other in the region.  And of course one of these supporters is the owner of The Hamilton Hamper, Bridget Pern. Jennifer comments as the driving force of The Hamilton Hamper, Bridget is a fierce, loyal supporter of local business and it is great to have our wines in her 'hamper'. 

So, what's next for Pierrepoint Wines?

An expansion to the Cellar Door.  This will provide a larger undercover area for guests to escape our Southern Victoria climate, especially at night!

Who's who in the area, Jennifer's favourite places to:

Stay

A huge array of accommodation options are available: Number 1 being the 2 self contained Pierrepoint Suites – the Pinot Suite and the Chardonnay Suite

The options range from quirky Airbnb, eg a sailing boat, a beautifully managed caravan park to 5 star luxury motels.

Eat

The area is becoming known for its number, variety and quality of cafes and restaurants led by the iconic Royal Mail Hotel and closely followed by the Bunyip Hotel.

Visit 

Hamilton is situated in the 3rd largest volcanic plain in the World so there are numerous really interesting sites dotted around the area. My favourite being Mt Eccles, recently renamed Budj Bim and the Byaduk Cave precinct. 

  • The Seal Colony walk at Cape Bridgewater,
  • The Mutton Birds at Griffith Island in Port Fairy,
  • The view from the road along the north of Tower Hill,
  • The drive between Coleraine and Casterton,
  • The drive along the Victoria Valley, and
  • The Wonderland walk in the Grampians.

Endless places to explore, all whilst you’re based in & around Hamilton!

Gourmet Traveller Star cellar door in Australia's Best Cellar Door Awards 2021 Pierrepoint WinesWe are so excited and proud of Pierrepoint Wines who have been awarded the Star Cellar Door for our region Grampians/Henty in the Gourmet Traveller Australia's Best Cellar Door Awards 2021.

Be sure to add Pierrepoint Wines cellar door to your must see list when in our area. 

Read all about it here!

  

 

 

 

 

Photos: Bespoke Design Co.