Protero in the Adelaide Hills

While tasting wine and eating food in the Adelaide Hills of South Australia recently I was fortunate to be pointed in the direction of a couple that were talked about by others in the area with great love. I was sent over to meet Frank and Rosemary Baldasso of Protero Wines.

Catch ya next time Uncle Frank and Aunt Rose!

There is this fruit shed (The Green Shed) that started it all where they sell  produce which include apples, lemons, grapes, walnuts, chestnuts and seasonal vegetables. On some of these they have received organic certification with NAASA. The 80 acre property is situated in the picturesque Adelaide Hills town of Gumeracha. This is one of those places that fit the small winery category to a tee.

Owners Frank and wife Rosemary have produced some award winning wines since establishing the business in 2005. They also produce a very tasty non-alcoholic grape juice and apple cider.

While pouring my tastings Rose told the story of when, in her words, Frank lost it. She though Frank had lost the plot when he decided to start growing grapes and to make wine. She told of some of the starting troubles but also talks with love and pride of Franks vision and sometimes pig headed drive to make it happen. I mentioned the talking with love part right?

Aunt Rose showing the property layout and vineyard locations.

Spending time chatting to Rose while Frank went about the business of keeping the shed running was like spending time with your favorite Aunt. A somewhat magical moment in time that does not happen very often. Felt the need to give them a hug upon leaving but managed to not embarrass myself. Maybe next time.

Now Rose does not drink but she does do a great tasting. The wines tasted were the Chardonnay, Viognier, Pinot Noir Rose, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and their amazing Nebbiolo. All very nice and a Pinot Noir was purchased to share. The Nebbiolo was also stellar but I had limited space. 

A true small Cellar Door, er Shed!

I am looking forward to going to visit Frank and Rose every time I am in Adelaide. While I'm there I'll probably go ahead and taste their wine, only as an excuse to spend some time with Uncle Frank and Aunt Rose. Brilliant plan!

Stop on by and get some fruit and veg and a few bottles of wine and meet Frank and Rose. We 'recommend' you do! Thanks to Lucy from Goldings for the recommendation, it was Golden!

Happy Tasting Adventures,

Cheers,

WineWalkabout

Kiwi & Koala