I love Tumba. Its a great little town that seems to be thriving. Perhaps its due to the range of economic activity in the region which includes knocking down very large trees, growing very tasty cows, and farming prisoners at Mannus.
The thing that has set it apart in the last decade or so is its wine. It has consistently been praised highly for its Chardonnay, said to be a 'cool climate' style. I don't know about that, I have drunk it on very hot days and it was still really good.
Courabyra is the only place that does a proper cellar door. We called in on Monday and Cathy took the time to talk to us about the chardonnay and the sparkling - which has started kicking some serious goals at wine contests or whatever they are called. I think it won the bantam weight final, belting a puny Eden Valley Reisling.
Quite apart from the fact that the Champagne (I can use that word but Courabyra can't) is stunningly good, the main reason I am reviewing a subject that I can drink, but not hold a sensible conversation about, is that when I say she 'took the time' I mean it. The room was being set up for the NSW Minister for Regional Development's lunchtime visit in 15 minutes.
I bet he nicked off with a few bottles, I hope he declares them as NSW has already lost a Premier because of a bottle of wine. read more