Popular for its dense native bushland and stunning river, Warrandyte has become a hot spot for Melburnians looking to escape the city. The tranquil green surroundings only 30 minutes from the CBD is now home to Victoria’s very first Grappa distillery.
Open now is Pietro Gallus Estate's bar and alfresco diner dedicated to the Italian liquor, Grappa (a fragrant spirit made from grapes).
Neighbouring their already celebrated restaurant Olivigna, husband and wife team John Di Pietro and Anna Gallo, founded the 20-acre estate and new tasting bar. Harnessing the charm of a Tuscan winery, their goal is to introduce the 24-month barrel-aged Italian liquor and surrounding vineyard to Victorians.
"We follow treasured recipes that trace back centuries. In the early 1900s, Anna's family distilled Grappa at Mount Vesuvius, Naples, and Northern Italy. We're all about authenticity and tradition. From the estate grounds to our Grappa range, what we have created is true to our Italian tradition and upbringing. To be awarded locally and internationally for our Grappa and Liqueur has made us so proud.
"We have competed against some of the oldest and most famous distilleries in Italy, and we have only been in operation for six years! This proves that our product is of the utmost quality. Now, with the addition of the new Tasting Bar, which houses our vast grappa, liqueur, and craft spirits, everyone can enjoy and share grappa with friends this Summer,” says Di Pietro.
Working closely with Pietro is head distiller Nathan Rigby, a grappa obsessor who's been dialling his craft for around six years now; Rigby and team use century-old Italian methods—while not shying away from modern distilling techniques—to create their liqueurs. Those looking for a versatile entry point should try their Bassano, a traditional blend of Grappa di Prosecco and Grappa al Caffè.
Anyone who's visited the sprawling estate would be aware of the panoramic vistas, where the trailing avenues of Italian Cypress trees and olive groves pay homage to one of the drink's origins, the Mediterranean. And thanks to the floor-to-cieling windows, these drawcards come part and parcel with the newly minted grappa tasting bar, too. The 7.5-metre polished concrete bar is a welcomed touch, too.
“When building the estate we’ve always imagined creating a Tuscan villa in Warrandyte that combines the best of Italy and Australia,” says Pietro. The husband and wife team have worked tirelessly refining the look and the feel of the estate “over the years, careful planning, building and planting has allowed us to create a mini Italy surrounded by bushland, which to us feels very much like ‘La Dolce Vita’ – the sweet life,” says Di Pietro.
Check out this newly discovered bakery in Bentleigh run by two Michelin-trained pastry chefs.
Image credit: Parker Blain