Living the Dream in Hunter Valley Wine Country

Beckels Vineyard: Living the Dream in Hunter Valley Wine Country

Ian and Rebecca Bower are content with their picturesque property and fledgling label, Beckels Vineyard, in the Hunter Valley wine country. The couple, who have a passion for wine-making, have been living their dream for seven years, and their property has required a good amount of TLC to get it to this point. The property, which has a cellar door, is not a commercial winery, but rather a small, family-run operation. The couple has planted four-and-a-half thousand vines, close to five acres, and has a small but slowly growing list of members. They sell some fruit and have their wines popping up in pubs, clubs, and restaurants.

From Passion to Reality

Ian and Rebecca’s passion for wine-making began seven years ago, when they bought a rural property in Broke. The property had some infrastructure in need of a significant spruce-up, which made it ideal for them to start their winemaking journey. “We were interested in buying a rural property, and we had always gravitated to wine regions,” Ian said. “You can have the weight of the world on your shoulders, and somehow it just melts away when you drive through vineyards.”

The couple’s decision to start a winery was not taken lightly. They spent a lot of time researching and planning before making the decision to plant vines. “Rebecca and I are active people, and we needed a project,” Ian said. “In the process of doing the place up, we thought some vines near the front gate would make it look a bit nicer, so we planted shiraz. That’s where it started.”

The couple has since planted four-and-a-half thousand vines, close to five acres, and has a small but slowly growing list of members.

Awards and Recognition

Beckels Vineyard has received several awards and recognition for their wines. They have won awards for their shiraz, chardonnay, fiano, and barbera. Their wines have been praised for their quality and consistency. The couple has received recognition from local wine critics and industry experts. “Lake Macquarie Yacht Club is our largest customer, but places like Caves Coastal Bar, Modus Merewether, Marks Point Sports Club, and The Lambton Fridge all stock our wines. Mostly we sell online through our website (beckelsvineyard.com.au),” Ian said.

Wine Reviews

Beckels Vineyard has received positive reviews from wine critics and enthusiasts. Here are a few examples:

* **Beckels Vineyard Barbera, 2024**: $28

* A beautiful blend of Italian varietals, with a seamless balance of flavors. * **Angullong Crossing Reserve Harriet, 2022**: $50

* A complex and balanced Italian blend, with a great food pairing. * **Logan Ridge of Tears Chardonnay, 2022**: $50

* A quality combination of flavors, with a great nose and palate.

Conclusion

Ian and Rebecca Bower’s Beckels Vineyard is a shining example of living the dream in Hunter Valley wine country. The couple’s passion for wine-making has paid off, and their small winery is producing high-quality wines that are receiving recognition from local wine critics and industry experts. Their story is an inspiration to anyone looking to pursue their passion and turn it into a reality. With hard work, dedication, and a willingness to take risks, it’s possible to achieve your dreams and live a fulfilling life. Ian and Rebecca’s Beckels Vineyard is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the best of Hunter Valley wine country. With its picturesque property and delicious wines, it’s a place that will leave you feeling inspired and motivated to pursue your own dreams.