My first thoughts, Sarah and Sparky will be devastated, and my immediate second thoughts, "if this is human error, that operator best book a plane trip to Siberia, pack a large bag, and leave NOW".
The thought of this premium Mollydooker wine not having the chance to complete the final stage of its journey from vineyard to a much loved home and "WOW" its loyal US clientele in true Mollydooker spirit was hard to grasp.
Over the past few days, I have been following the social networking sites reactions and witnessing the acts of kindness, words of support and typically "aussie" mateship being forwarded to the Mollydooker team from both Australian and particularly US based supporters.
I had the pleasure of visiting the Mollydooker Winery and its team in 2010, situated in the famous McLaren Vale wine region of South Australia, and was given an extended welcoming hand, as all who visit their operation, wanting to share a Mollydooker experience.
"Mollydooker', for those unfamiliar with its names origin means "left hander" in Aussie slang terms. Sarah and Sparky Marquis, the driving force behind Mollydooker wines, have made being "left-handed" into an art form with a blend of unique self-developed vineyard management techniques, proven winemaking detail and professional marketing slant which encaptulates all of the elements their wines aim to deliver. Character, Uniqueness, Enjoyment and Lasting Impression. Not to mention, what has become one of Mollydookers signature trademarks on the international wine scene, the "Mollydooker Shake". (Follow this link to learn more,
http://www.mollydookerwines.com/web/mollydooker_shake.cfm#intro1 )
Last year, after visiting Mollydookers operation, and having been infused with their infectious desire and passion for what they produce, (and of course sampling some of their amazing produce) I wanted to capture with my photography some of the "Mollydooker" vision, and on discussion with Sarah, was fortunate to be able to return to the winery and have the opportunity to meet more extensively with the wider team, and capture some images to "reflect".
I wish to share some of these images with you, as I wish to share the whole Mollydooker experience, and although the recent happenings of last week may have given the team an upsetting challenge, in true Mollydooker spirit I know it will be a case of "Shaken, not Stirred"
Keep up with the latest happenings at Mollydooker Wines by visiting their website at
http://www.mollydookerwines.com.au/ and of course, get out and buy some of this great South Australian product. You wont be disappointed, and
DO make some time to take in the
WHOLE experience, look at the label, appreciate the message within and share in the journey and read up about this inspirational, proud Australian wine-making couple.
If your in the McLaren Vale region of South Australia in the near future, organise to visit Mollydooker and get the personable tour and insight... its a MUST.
NOTE: (Dont forget to shake left-handed on arrival)
The 1st image representing the "Sip it Forward" labelled wine has been included to highlight a special allocation of wine put aside in 2010 by Mollydooker as a charitable cause in Cambodia with all proceeds of its sales going to the support and funding of Sarah and Sparkys "Mollydooker Houses" (2 complete and a 3rd in progress) built to school and feed 200 children and their families. I had to include a reference to this to show the qualities that Sarah and Sparky pride themself on through friendship, comradery and helping those in need.
Kind regards
Matt Palmer
Freelance Photographer/Travel Writer
SNAP Photographic
Recently, I was fortunate enough to venture from the South Australian mainland, to the very popular island destination of Kangaroo Island for a few days work. Although only being a few days, I did get an opportunity to take in a few interesting sites.
