Retired Grape Grower
One of my first memories of Milton was visiting in the early years, his son David instructed us to hop in the Ute and he would drive down and show us some other vineyards.
Not only was the ride memorable and the flicking of canes against the Ute with the windows down, but an experience you will never forget.
But when we finally arrived down near the gorgeous creek to start checking out some vines the horrific sound of a shotgun went off, and I jumped, and my heart rate skyrocketed.
I was a farmer’s daughter, but this took me by surprise as I was excited to see another vineyard and the tranquil feel of the area.
Suddenly David yelled out “Bloody Dad he’s sick of the birds eating the fruit’
Over trots Milton Materne Shotgun in hand and looking relieved that he might have scared off a few birds and saved some fruit to sell.
Milton is a generation that has had to hang their hat up, enjoy some retirement days, and let the next generations take over and do things their way.
Milton lived on the vineyard up until the last few years when he transitioned into the local retirement home. I am told that he loves to tell a story and boy would he have some stories to tell.
I look at the reluctance that many feel leaving their home and where they feel safe and enjoy, but to have the company to tell your life experiences to and stories is an asset to the community.
Before Milton celebrates his 90th birthday we asked David if we could present a magnum of our wine from his vineyard and give it to him before his celebrations.
Many photos were taken, and an acknowledgement of the relationship forged between the grower and winemaker.
Happy 90th birthday Milton and I hope you enjoy a glass of the Greenock Shiraz.
Materne Family: Milton Materne, David and Angela, Hayden and Chelsea Materne.
Wines from the Materne Vineyard: Single Vineyard Greenock Shiraz, Single Vineyard Roussanne, Limited Cuvée Shiraz, Limited Cuvée Roussanne