Lee-Ann Sutton from Thyme to Taste at Murrumbateman is offering small wineries the space for customers to taste their wares. Photo: Sally Hopman.
There’s a nice bit of camaraderie happening in the Yass Valley – and it’s definitely worth saying cheers.
The Thyme to Taste Emporium in Murrrumbateman, run by Lee-Ann Sutton and Andrew Dodds, is offering space in its Fairley Square store to smaller wineries that don’t have their own tasting rooms.
The idea, according to Lee-Ann, is to give the smaller winemakers the opportunity to showcase their wines to a wider audience – wine lovers who are flocking to the Yass Valley’s cool climate wine country.
“We thought it would be a good thing for some of the smaller makers,” she said. “We have the room here; people come in to try the local wines so we thought it would be a good idea,” she said.
Lee-Ann did a wine-making course at Jeir Creek Winery. She says customers regularly asked about the latest good local boutique wines so this was a great way to show them what was available.
With her partner Andrew, the two recently expanded their Thyme to Taste business from their cafe and fine food emporium at Yass to also open at Murrumbateman, based on their passion for connecting produce from paddock to plate – and wine glass.
She said the Ravensworth and Mallaluka brands were the first two to join the cellar door project.
“Ravensworth, a recognised name, has established itself as a leader in Australian winemaking and Mallaluka, a rising star, is lauded for its commitment to crafting exceptional natural wines,” she said.
“Both wineries share a dedication to quality and innovation, making them perfect partners for this groundbreaking initiative.”
She said customers were always asking her what the best local wines were – many of them were already well known and sold in their shop but there was always an interest in the smaller, boutique operations, from the Yass Valley and southern NSW.
Lee-Ann said as far as they were concerned, the tasting opportunity was a given. “We’re passionate about supporting local wineries and providing a platform for them to share their stories and wines with the community.
“This initiative allows us to celebrate the incredible diversity of the Canberra district wine scene and offer customers a truly unique tasting experience.”
She said the wine would be taken on consignment and the store would provide the venue and tasting events for the small winemakers.
“It’s good for us and it’s good for the winemaker,” she said.
The initiative would blend well with the store’s other lines, including around 90 independent beer labels, locally made spirits, gourmet products including cheese and works by local craftsmen.
Thyme to Taste Emporium is located at Fairley Square, 3/47 Rose St, Murrumbateman. They’re open from 10 am until 5 pm on Tuesday, 11 am until 5:30 pm from Thursday to Saturday, and from 11 am until 3 pm on Sunday. Keep up with them via their website, Facebook page and Instagram.
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