Their wine is so fine

AN eclectic mix of old and new welcomes visitors to the recently opened cellar door at Payne’s Rise Wines.
Overlooking the vineyards is the original 1860s homestead of early settler Thomas Payne and his family, which has been preserved for visitors to explore.
The barn has been transformed into a “wine barn”, with couches and stools for visitors to sit back and enjoy the rustic charm, or there is the newer cellar door shed where visitors can lounge in front of the wine barrels.
Owners Tim and Narelle Cullen have lived and worked in the Seville community for many years, and planted their first vines in 1999.
Since 2000 Tim has been involved as a viticulture consultant and crop protection supplier for the Yarra Valley, and Narelle has handled the sales and marketing and is involved in every aspect of the vineyard activities.
They began wine production in 2004 and began selling to the wholesale market before opening the cellar door this January.
Narelle said they were proud to have the cellar door open to present their wines and allow the public to experience the history and charm of the property.
“We pride ourselves in offering premium cool climate wines at very affordable prices,” she said.
Visitors can order one of the award-winning wines and wander around the old property or order a cheese platter or cakes and sit outside soaking in the views across the valley.
Payne’s Rise Wines was awarded four stars in the 2011 James Halliday wine companion, and their 2009 Sauvignon Blanc won a silver medal at the 2010 National Cool Climate Wine Show and the 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon won a silver medal at the 2010 Victorian Wine Show.
The cellar door is now open from Thursday to Sunday, 11am to 5pm, at 10 Payne’s Road, Seville. A Mother’s Day special on offer is a cheese platter for four and a bottle of wine for $40.
Bookings can be made on 5964 2504 forlarge groups, private functions and weddingphotos. The venue will hold regular live music, with the first session on Easter Saturday from 1pm to 5pm.