Rob Fella

My family and I came to work for Shelmerdine in August 1994. I was employed to develop Merindoc Vineyard. That project was completed in 1996 and we then started work on Willoughby Bridge. I am now Group Manager with the company.

YOUR FAVOURITE WINE EXPERIENCE:

We made our first wine from Merindoc during vintage 1997. The very first bottle was drawn from barrel and hand labelled in time for me to present to Lady Southey (the Chairman of Shelmerdine) at the Christmas Party in 1997. That was a great feeling.

YOUR FAVOURITE SHELMERDINE WINE:

Without doubt the 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon was my very favourite wine. But each vintage produces wines which rival it. But to my mind Cabernet is the King of all varieties.

YOUR INTERESTS AND HOBBIES:

There is only one thing I enjoy more than cooking; and that is cooking with music blaring whilst working my way into a bottle of wine.

FUNNIEST MOMENT WHILST AT WORK:

I think the look on Rhonda's face as she emerged from the portable toilet, tucking herself in, after it had been blown over during one of Tooborac's Spring gales.

FAVOURITE SEASON OF THE YEAR:

I just love winter. The crunch of frosty mornings, the promise of a still, clear, cold day and retreating to a warm house as the sun goes down.

YOUR PETS NAMES:

Two dogs; Marley and Tosh. I still have a soft spot for an ex-rooster (eaten by a fox) called Zevon.

FAVOURITE FOOD/RECIPE:

I love "peasant food" rich in flavour, satisfying and honest. At the moment I love making pasta with a slow cooked lamb neck sauce. With Cabernet of course!!

DESCRIBE YOUR FAVOURITE HAT:

I bought an Akubra when I started at Shelmerdine in 1994. I think it died in about 2002. What a hat!!!

THE BEST THING ABOUT THE PLACE THAT I WORK IS:

I enjoy being with a group of people who are all connected to the rhythm of the seasons. Agriculture just seems like an ancient and honest way of life.