Gippsland Wineries: Lightfoot and Sons – O.M.G!

We visited Lightfoot and Sons a couple of months ago now, and I still can’t get over their awesomeness. My first introduction to this Gippsland winery was at a local eating and drinking establishment here in Sale, Victoria called Portside. Over dinner, Mr Spittoon and I ordered a bottle of the Lightfoot and Sons 2017 Myrtle Point Rosé and my taste buds were in love!

Some lovely wine lovers I had met in Perth, who in fact came on the TC Wine Appreciation Swan Valley Tour, were in town visiting friends so we thought we’d all catch up at a local winery. Since trying the Lightfoot and Sons Rosé, it had been high on my ‘must-visit’ list. It also marks the 20th Victorian winery on my bucket list.

The Cellar Door

From Traralgon, it’s about a 1.5-hour drive and from here in Sale about 1 hour. The journey out to the cellar door was rather interesting as Mr Spittoon and I literally felt like we were in the middle of nowhere. From Bairnsdale town, it’s only about a 15-minute drive.

While it may seem like a fair distance to travel for a wine tasting, it’s worth the drive. The cellar door hasn’t been open very long, I believe from late 2017. From what I have heard they had a mission with council approvals and such, a typical story I have heard from many winery owners.

The views are ABSOLUTELY AMAZING! I still can’t get over this beautiful part of the world. The cellar door is on the edge of an escarpment and wow, words can’t do it justice.

From what I hear they are looking to make the deck area a bit more enclosed and warm for the cooler months so you can still enjoy those amazing views.

I also have to mention, top work on the safety decals on the glass doors guys!

Inside the cellar door, it’s got an awesome vibe, very trendy yet relaxed. There’s also some indoor seating, but you need to get in quick to nab a spot. Despite being in the middle of nowhere, it’s a rather busy cellar door!

After our wine tasting, we enjoyed a glass or two on the deck with a yummy cheese platter.

Wine Tasting

Once we had settled in and I had finished ogling at all the beautifulness we got stuck into the wine tasting. Cellar door tastings are free of charge and you’re more than welcome to try the full range.

I really liked the little touch of the clipboards. On these clipboards, you could note down which wines you liked by colouring in/circling the relevant facial expression. This paper also doubled as your order if you wanted to buy some to get some delivered. It was great to see they offer a discount on 6 bottles or more and offer free delivery for 12 bottles of more anywhere in Australia.

Our tasting was conducted by winemaker Tom Lightfoot. He was very informative and gave us a lot of insights on the wines.

The Wines

I was very fond of many of the wines we tried, however, my picks from the tasting were:

Lightfoot and Sons 2015 River Block Shiraz

Tech specs from the LFS website: “Handpicked and gently destemmed into small open fermenters. Hand plunged twice daily.  100-day post ferment maceration.  French oak maturation, 5o% new.”

In the glass, it’s an enticing cherry red with aromas of vanilla oak and a medley of red & black cherries and a hint of blueberries. In the mouth, it has a smooth decadent flavour yet it’s effortlessly elegant. Think cherries, spice and milk chocolate on the finish with a hint of smokiness. It was a real shame that I had to share this with Mr Spittoon. J/K 😉

All opinions are based on my own taste buds. #Wine is subjective & always evolving, so make sure you drink what you enjoy! #tcweekdaywine

Lightfoot and Sons 2011 Sparkling Wine

It’s a pale lemon colour with tiny sand-like bubbles in the glass. On the nose, it’s full of crisp apples, pears and a hint of feijoa. While in the mouth it’s smooth with flavours of creamy custard and fresh apples. Fit for a prince or princess.

All opinions are based on my own taste buds. Wine is subjective & always evolving, so make sure you drink what you enjoy!

Lightfoot and Sons 2016 Home Block Chardonnay

I’m not going to lie, my #winewednesday was bloody great! I cooked up a beautiful fish curry with the delicious @vinofood Indian Tomato & White Wine Sauce and crackled into this spectacular bottle of @lightfoot_and_sons Home Block 2016 Chardonnay. Both elements were heavenly and when put together – WOW!

The Chardy has a pretty golden yellow glow to it. The nose is full of vanillin oak, freshly cut mango and stonefruits. It smells of pure delicious elegance! In the mouth wonderful notes of juicy pears and apricots stand out for me with perfectly integrated oak. It’s so creamy, silky and downright yummy. More please!

All opinions are based on my own taste buds. Wine is subjective & always evolving, so make sure you drink what you enjoy!

Lightfoot and Sons 2016 Myrtle Point Single Vineyard Rosé

It’s made from Pinot Noir and comes from grapes grown in Gippsland’s Lakes District, Victoria.

In the glass, it’s a vibrant sunset orange hue. Delicate notes of strawberries and citrus come through on the nose for me. While in the mouth it’s elegant, light and pretty with soft balanced acidity, a smooth mouthfeel and a clean finish. Great aperitif and it also went well with my pan fried salmon. A gorgeous rosé that you’ll definitely catch me drinking again.

All opinions are based on my own taste buds. Wine is subjective & always evolving, so make sure you drink what you enjoy!

Since visiting the cellar door I have had a few more of their wines when I see them on local restaurant menus. I’ll be visiting the cellar door again in the next couple of months as it’s definitely up there to take visitors too!

Lightfoot and Sons Contact Details: