Victorian winemaker Narelle King and her team are raising a glass this July. It’s been an extraordinary 15-years since she and her late winemaking partner, Don Lewis, watched their passion project come to life in 2006 – Tar&Roses.
Tar&Roses, described as ‘uniquely Australian’, is a boutique winery inspired by Don and Narelle’s time spent travelling around Mediterranean wine regions. Upon returning to Australia, the duo began producing wine that reflects the multi-regions of Spain, Italy and Australia, applying world-class techniques using fruit grown in Heathcote, Strathbogie Ranges, King Valley and Spain.
Situated in Nagambie, a small country town north of Melbourne, surrounded by fertile plains and sparkling waterways, the trailblazing team at Tar&Roses aspired to revitalise the Australian winemaking industry and foster relationships within the greater Victorian wine community. The team has been creating distinctively Mediterranean inspired wines, producing bold reds and crisp white wines for the past 15 years.
“Having the opportunity to produce an array of different varieties from various, celebrated areas around Victoria has allowed Tar&Roses to engage with multiple vineyards and wineries, each with its own distinct personalities and quirks,” Narelle recounts.
Don Lewis, a highly regarded Australian winemaker with 35-years in the industry, had a hand in creating numerous award-winning wines across his decorated career as chief winemaker for Mitchelton Wines, including winning the Jimmy Watson Trophy in 1991.
Lewis’ love for wine and the winemaking process was influenced by his time growing up on a vineyard near the Murray River in north-western Victoria. A passion he maintained until his sad passing in 2017.
“He (Don) loved Tar&Roses and what we had been able to achieve. It also gives me great pleasure to think how we’ve continued and grown the brand successfully in his absence. He would be so happy to see how many people now love and drink the Pinot Grigio.”
In 2004, Don partnered with Narelle King, a former Sydney accountant. The duo began making wine in the late 1990′s after Narelle’s completion of a winemaking degree at Charles Sturt University. While working together at Mitchelton Wines, the pair soon developed a mutual respect for each other’s winemaking skills, as well as a shared admiration for the complete wine and food experience.
Since Don Lewis’ passing, Narelle has continued paving the way in Australian winemaking through her hard work and commitment to the wine industry and the Tar&Roses brand.
“It makes me happy to think of our achievements over this time, the problems we overcame, the fun we had along the way and the joy our wines bring to so many people.”
2021 marks 15-years since Tar&Roses was established, and over the years, the brand has only gone from strength to strength. Thanks to the winery team’s expert knowledge, individual flair and distinct varietal flavours, Tar&Roses continues to produce some of the best-quality wines in Australia.
Thinking about the next 15 years, Narelle ponders, “Well, who knows. Life is short, and you do really need to “just do it”. I think COVID has taught us to appreciate that and what’s important in our lives. Just like good coffee, you should enjoy the things that make you happy, especially fine wine.”
For more info, please visit www.tarandroses.com.au
