Gretel Sneath
Back Label Text – Cape Jaffa Wines
The crew at Cape Jaffa Wines requested some more wine words for their tasty new range. We continued the coastal-surf-environmental vibe synonymous with their label and their general way of living. I thought the name Epic Drop was a perfect fit for their 2010 Shiraz – only the most intense barrels are used in its creation. (Yes, pun intended). And Waxed Lyrical was ideal for the 2012 Marsanne with its rhapsody of flavours…
Best Wedding Proposal Ever – Real Weddings Magazine
I wrote about the most amazing proposal in the Real Weddings Style issue out this week: guy pops the question to his homesick, Chicago-based girlfriend after secretly flying to America and disguising himself as a reindeer handing out lollies at a Christmas market. An unsuspecting Rae had her photo taken with him before he dropped to one knee and asked her to marry him. A journalist witnessed the commotion, and ‘Rudolph’s Proposal’ became a media and YouTube sensation. Have a look here – gorgeous music, I bawled.
Of course, she said YES and their winter wedding was held at a favourite WA holiday spot. Here’s some images from photographer Leah Kua.
Hours were spent scouring second hand shops in search of decorations and vintage clothing for the wedding party – with fab results. The full story is in the new issue of Real Weddings. You can also read about it on Leah Kua’s blog.
Outback Magazine Drought Feature
What an amazing cover shot! You can imagine how excited I was when I realised it accompanies my feature on the end of the drought. LOVED working on this article, interviewing talent from all over Australia. Don’t ever tell me that farmers don’t like a chat!! Click on my portfolio to read more…
The Oct/Nov edition also contains my story and images on ‘Aberfoyle’ garden at Kongorong, so it’s a bit of a collector’s edition in our household!
Australian Country Style – Coonawarra and Penola
I’ve written the Coonawarra + Penola Journeys article appearing in Country Style magazine’s October 2012 edition.
Sharyn Cairns did a terrific job with the photography, persevering until the rain passed, and I’ve had great feedback from some proud locals. Loving the cover, too – I’m such a yellow girl, these days…
James Halliday’s Wine Companion Magazine
James Halliday’s Wine Companion magazine commissioned me to write a travel feature on Coonawarra, which appears in the latest edition. My challenge was to create something fresh, from a local perspective. While I’m certainly familiar with the area, I took a guided tour with Zema Estate’s Karen Ronning in order to discover what’s new and what locals in particular love. It was a classic example of exploring your own backyard – where often, the best discoveries are made.
The obligatory location shot!
Upstairs at Hollick
I also tried the sensational sour dough pizzas at Fodder, a funky cafe located in the original Coonawarra schoolhouse.
Fodder, Coonawarra
The Coonawarra Store’s Marcia Gregory kindly gave me a jar of her husband Bruce’s bush honey…gosh this is beginning to sound like a Limestone Coast version of The Very Hungry Caterpillar!
Wine, food, post office…this place has it all.
There was some wine education as well – including a close-up view of the terra rossa soils which have helped to make this region famous…
Coonawarra Soil Profile
The gorgeous Zemas then sent me on my way loaded up with olive oil, olives and chillies…can life get any better? Nope.
Produce from Zema Wines and the Coonawarra Store
Real Weddings Winter Edition
It was great to be involved in the 10th Anniversary Special Issue of Real Weddings. The weddings never cease to impress, and I’m always emailing the editor saying “this one’s my favourite”, “no, THIS one’s my favourite!”. Mikki and Gidon’s big day left a large impression – take a look at this amazing video clip produced by PurpleMonky, and let me know what you think…
I’m not surprised that Jessie and Russell made the front cover. She was such a stunning bride, and I loved writing about their relaxed summer nuptials…
Issue 21, Winter 2012
Jane and David’s wedding was also just divine. The bride’s exquisite gown was made from Italian cotton lace. It was all captured so beautifully by photographers At Dusk, and you’ll discover more great images on their blog – and in the Real Weddings mag, of course!
Photography by At Dusk
Jane and her friends made fabric bunting and other vintage touches during a “craftanoon” – love it!
Photography by At Dusk
Photography by At Dusk
Places to visit in SA – Country Style
Southern Ocean Lodge, Kangaroo Island www.southernoceanlodge.com.au
The July 2012 issue of Country Style features 100 Great Travel Experiences. The magazine’s editor, Victoria Carey, asked me to help come up with a list of top destinations and experiences for South Australia, and for a first-time experiment, I asked Facebook friends for suggestions. Wow! It was difficult narrowing them down:
The Tasting Room, Mayura Station www.mayurastation.com
Wynns Coonawara Estate - Photograph by Jo Fincham www.wynns.com.au
Dive with sharks in Port Lincoln http://adventurebaycharters.com.au
Lake Eyre, Cameron Corner, Coffin Bay Oysters, Robe, The Coorong, Naracoorte Caves National Park and the Murray River are some of the other “Must see and do” spots for SA…but I won’t spoil the surprise – you’ll need to buy the mag! A great read (as usual).
Outback Profile – Andrew Ogilvie, Cattle Council
Not only is Biscuit Flat one of the cutest names for a farming district, but it’s home to Australian Cattle Council president Andrew Ogilvie.
Andrew Ogilvie
I’ve just interviewed him for a profile in a future issue of Outback Magazine and Jo Fincham took the fantastic images. There’s nothing more satisfying than scrawling 12+ pages of notes, then driving home through the countryside raring to get started on your story, angles swimming around your head…
Photograph by Jo Fincham
To read the article, please visit my portfolio.
Australian Country Style Coonawarra Chef
I’ve been contributing articles to Australian Country Style for almost a decade now, and just love this mag. The March 2012 edition featured my profile on former Coonawarra chef Tim Foster. Photographer John Laurie sent me these fabulous images as a keepsake.
Tim Foster
Tim recently left the divine Upstairs at Hollick to work in the Yarra Valley.
Hollick Wines at Coonawarra
Upstairs at Hollick
The recipes which accompanied the article were divine, and, most importantly, “do-able!”. Styling by Simon Bajada.
Snapper, Creamy Mash & Salsa Verde
Pork with pan-roasted brussels sprouts
Orange cake with poached pears and ice-cream
Outback Magazine Dining Feature
I was thrilled to be able to catch up with the OUTBACK Magazine editorial team while I was in Sydney this week – and very excited to get a sneak preview of a new special edition due to hit the shelves later in April. OUTBACK Dining features some of the nation’s best culinary finds, and I was commissioned to write the article on the multi-award winning Pipers of Penola. Mount Gambier photographer Jo Fincham took the awesome photos…
Pipers of Penola - appearing in OUTBACK Dining Magazine
Stories go beyond the menu to find out about the passionate people who run these far-flung restaurants and cafes, and Coonawarra chef Simon Bowen has a great story to tell. He also loves fresh ingredients!
Fresh Fish
The article also features a fantastic recipe – local yabbies served with seared Parisian gnocchi, horseradish peas and basil foam…grab the mag and give it a go!
Yabbies served with seared Parisian gnocchi, horseradish peas and basil foam
I’m Gretel Sneath, accomplished freelance writer & storyteller. When I'm not on the road, you'll find me on South Australia's Limestone Coast.