We went for a little drive in the country today about 30-40 minutes north of the Gambier deep into the heart of Terra Rossa country. Terra Rossa is red volcanic soil on limestone base, this coupled together with the cool breezes of the south make this an ideal cabernet wine growing district. We travelled through the Penola Forests and small towns of Tarpeena and Nangwarry to Penola (great little museum at tourist info here). 
Brands Laira was a nice stop, not sure whether to go the bottle or the glass?? In 1893 a retired sea captain named Stentiford purchased a plot of land in Coonawarra naming it after his much loved ship, Laira. Eric Brand the first Patron of Coonawarra became the custodian of the vineyard more than half a century later. Fruit for Stentiford's Old Vine Shiraz is still sourced from the original vines planted by the Captain back in 1893.
Old man Brand (now in his 90's) rocked up on his motorised wheelie, still living on site in a modest cottage, he pokes his head in for a coffee now and then. We were priveleged to go into the original old cellar, some of these wines have been cellared since the early 1900's and they looked like it too, never dusted and labels wearing off. We can imagine many a good times have been had in here with Eric entertaining his mates.
The autumn colors are showing on the leaves of the vines now, orange and reds. The grapes are nearly ripe for the picking and then the leaves fall off by winter. I bought a few bottles today and kept myself tidy, it was a great day out.... 
Our little chateau, with ensuite and all, we were in the purple row, there's pink, yellow, orange, blue. All in all a great short stay in Mt Gambier. Off to Portland tomorrow and hopefully catch up with our friends, Leonie and Des. 
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