New wine from the ashes

By Melissa Meehan
AFTER Black Saturday’s bushfires devastated part of their Labertouche property, Gypsy Creek Winery owners Mary and Sam Dardha were excited to launch their new wine on Melbourne Cup Day.
The wine, Gypsy Creek Sparkling Pearl 2008, represents triumph for the couple who watched as a wall of flames threatened to engulf their business, livelihood and surrounding neighbourhood. Mr Dardha said he watched the smoke billowing upwards as the fire raced from a section of the nearby Bunyip State Forest and soon realised he would have a fight on his hands if he was to defend his property including 6000 vines.
“We lost about 650 vines as well as equipment including a tractor, ride on mower, irrigation systems and over 7800 metres of netting,” he said.
“Luckily, our house escaped, but unfortunately some of our neighbours weren’t so lucky.”
He said he and his wife were determined to rebuild their business that they started in 1997.
“Some of the damaged vines are beginning to shoot, while others are ruined,” he said. “But we have worked hard to build a strong reputation and we are here to stay.”