10-MAY-2017
Under the Olive Tree
The last image taken at Skillogalee for 2017 showing another view
of the patio area & some vines.
10-MAY-2017
Outdoor setting when its sunny
We ate indoors, was a little cool outside the day we were there, but
that didn't stop me wandering with my little Lumix!
I think the outdoor setting is for for tasting rather than eating.
10-MAY-2017
The tasting rooms & restaurant
In the early 1840's, the pioneer and explorer John Horrocks settled at Penworththam, named after his home town in England.
From here, he explored further north in the Flinders ranges, using Afghan camels and looking for land suitable for settlement.
On one such expedition, Horrocks' party was beset by illness, injuries and bad weather.
Having run short of provisions, they survived only by making a "skillogalee" or "skilly" - a sort of thin porridge or gruel,
probably from grass seeds and water. The word "skillogalee" comes from Celtic origins and the dish was commonly fed to prisoners in Ireland
around this time. When Horrcocks finally made it back to Penwortham, he gave the creek nearby the name Skillogalee in memory of this event.
The vineyard takes its name from the creek which runs through the eastern, lower end.
Notes from the Skillogalee website, link is top of gallery page.
10-MAY-2017
The track alongside
The road past the winery, and if you keep on this road you will eventually
come to Jeanneret Winery that I featured a few weeks ago.
10-MAY-2017
More vines
Another angle to try and fit in more vines. A particular variety of vine was
at its colourful peak when we were there.
10-MAY-2017
Farm house amongst the vines
Across the road from the tasting rooms but I'm pretty
sure the vines belong to the Skillogalee Winery.
10-MAY-2017
Vineyards in May
For many years we travelled to the Clare area for a special wine and food festival
and this particular winery was one of the first to take part - our son's musical
group being hired to entertain the visitors dressed as minstrels. Their music
travelled through the valley as people walked or drove their car from
winery to winery through the autumn coloured vineyards. A delightful memory.