The most exciting period in the year of a vineyard is now transpiring. Spring has become summer and the Chardonnay vines are in their most prolific state. The entire Yarra Valley is dressed in brilliant hues of green.

The vines have flowered, and bunches are forming. Throughout spring and the early summer, cutting the grass, eliminating weeds, and in general, grooming the vineyard is a full time job.

If this picture is any indication, there should be a "pot of gold" in the chardonnay part of the vineyard, where a rainbow settled between showers in springtime.

This is also the most satisfying time in the Cellar Door on Saturday and Sunday. People are out celebrating the nicest time of year; visiting, tasting the varieties and stocking up on their favorite wines for those long relaxing Christmas celebrations.

Gift packs of two or three bottles of Redbox finest wines are on display, and have been very popular as corporate gifts for favored customers and faithful staff.

Pleasant hours can be enjoyed on Saturday and Sunday at the Redbox Cellar Door in Ness Lane, Kangaroo Ground.

Out on the patio with a few tables and a large umbrella; it is so easy to sit back and enjoy the atmosphere, a cheese platter, a glass of fine wine, a slice of gourmet cake with cream and a nice cup of tea or coffee. All of which is shaded by the experience of relaxed conversation while the afternoon gently slips away. Redbox Rambling

Our current range of fine and unique wines includes: 2002 Mourvedre, 1999 Cabernet Merlot, 2002 Pinot Noir, 2002 Barbera, 2002 Late Harvest, 2003 Chardonnay, and 2001 Chardonnay. The 2002 Botrytis is sold out.

In 2005, exciting new wines will be brought into the cellar door for you to sample. Among these are:

Redbox 2003 Shiraz has been bottled and is lying still in the cellar for a few more months before being introduced to the cellar door. This wine has raised the bar more than a notch or two, and has earned the acclaim of respected experts as "unequalled in our region".

2003 Mourvedre continues to present complexity, richness and the sensation of a broad range of flavors, which other good reds find difficult to equal.

2003 Barbera is again available in limited quantities, and the quality is right up there with the best medium reds. The Italian heritage of Barbera is quite evident, and it has grown to be a most popular choice amongst the wine buffs whose visits to the Redbox Cellar door have traditionally been the highlight of our week.

In 2005 we will also release a very special product - Wildfell GSM. In case you are not certain, GSM stands for a blend of Grenache, Shiraz and Mourvedre. The proportions are secret, but I can tell you that our worldbeating Redbox Shiraz, Mourvedre, and Grenache wines have made this a very big experience in taste, with lingering pleasure from each sip.

There are still stocks available of most items on our existing price list, so give us a phone call, order up for that Christmas party or for gifts to your work colleagues while there is still time.

Why not take an afternoon off next weekend and enjoy a visit to the Redbox Vineyard in Ness Lane Kangaroo Ground?
The staff and management of Redbox Vineyard wish you, your family and friends, a happy and safe Christmas and New Year.
We look forward to seeing you soon. Drive to the North End of Kangaroo Ground via Warrandyte or Eltham just past the SES HQ.