David has co-owned Tallagandra Hill Winery, near Gundaroo, for almost a decade. Photo: Tallagandra Hill, David Castro, Alberto Florez.
Who are you?
I’m David (Dave) Faulks and I own Tallagandra Hill Winery with my significantly better half, Mary McAvoy.
What’s the story behind Tallagandra Hill?
My wife and I lived and worked in Sydney for many years, but visited Canberra constantly to see family. During one of our visits, we were introduced to Tallagandra Hill by our son Ben. Neither of us had any experience in viticulture, but we immediately saw its potential and thought, why not?
It’s a beautiful place to be, growing and making in the country, but still on the city’s doorstep. We have been blown away again and again by special moments created here.
Tallagandra Hill is so much more than a winery. We produce premium cool-climate wine, yes, but we also offer a combination of music, special events, wine experiences and rural getaways.
How do you balance such a diverse business?
It’s kind of like a mixer desk, where you dial different elements up or down depending on what’s happening around you and your customer base. Mary and I are pretty involved, but we also have a great team that helps us manage it all.
Tallagandra Hill hosts more than 30 music shows and 30 private events every year. Photo: Justin’s Photo Works.
What’s your business philosophy?
Surround yourself with good people and listen to those people. Listen to the land as well, look after it, and it’ll give you a sustainable base. And be kind!
Our business philosophy is 100 per cent based on our We Love Local motto. We are part of an ecosystem of businesses, artists and community that promote and support all things local. This provides motivation and drive even when things are tough.
Tell me about your favourite spot at the winery
Well, my favourite place would be out in the vineyard. I get so much joy from being out there nurturing our crops and learning a thousand new things every day.
But it’s hard to go past a full house in our music venue, seeing guests treated to iconic Australian artists like Jimmy Barnes, Kate Ceberano and The Black Sorrows.
What’s a nostalgic food that reminds you of childhood?
Hmmm. Probably a lamb roast on a Sunday.
David attributes much of the venue’s success to its diverse offering and passionate community. Photo: Michael Southam.
Who is your dream dinner guest, and what would you serve them?
I would invite the whole Barnes family for a relaxed barbecue. I’d serve our Prodigal Daughter Vermentino and The Great Ron Shiraz with vinyl records playing in the background.
Tell me what you love most about our region
Canberra boasts an abundance of natural beauty, regardless of the season. I love the diversity of our cultural fabric, connection to Ngunnawal people, and passionate community of artists, producers, makers and musicians.
Is there an underrated venue in Canberra you’d like to shout out?
I think small, dedicated venues that support local artists or producers deserve more hype in general, and there’s way too much emphasis on theatres and stadiums. I would like to shout out Dionysus Winery and Grazing Restaurant at Gundaroo for their outstanding efforts.
Tallagandra Hill is now for sale. Whoever its future custodians may be, David and Mary promise they’ll stick around a while to help ensure a smooth transition. Photo: Tallagandra Hill, David Castro, Alberto Florez.
What TV series are you watching at the moment?
I just watched Adolescence, and it was the most thought-provoking thing I’ve seen on TV in a long, long time. So evocative. It makes you question life, society and how the darker parts of the world can impact our children. Also, for sheer enjoyment with an Irish connection, Derry Girls.
What’s your coffee order?
A good old flat white made with locally roasted Wagonga beans.
What’s next for David and Mary?
We are looking for new owners for Tallagandra Hill at the moment. So many fabulous memories have been made here and it’s been an absolute joy, but we want to spend more time with family.
Mary and I recently bought a 200-year-old guest house in Ireland, and we’ll be spending three months a year over there to be closer to her family. The rest of the time we’ll be here in the Canberra region spending time with family and friends, especially the grandkids.
Tallagandra Hill Winery is open on weekends from 11:45 am to 4 pm, at 1692 Murrumbateman Road, Gundaroo. Find out more at Tallagandra Hill.
Original Article published by Morgan Kenyon on Region Canberra.
