Retirement plans are progressing.
We have just returned from two months cycling through Sicily, Tuscany and Umbria and we absolutely loved it. (See some of the highlights at the bottom of this newsletter).
We’re hoping to extend our travels as we move into full retirement. We’re still thinking we’d like to load panniers onto the back of our cycles and experience Europe for three months at a time leaving the accomodation open and find it as we go.
I have been selling down my wine stocks with a view to selling all within two years assuming that would be the end of Patina… BUT, there has been an exciting development and it looks like PATINA WILL LIVE ON… Enter Rod:
Rod Shields has always harboured a dream of growing grapes and making wine. His background is finance, but he is completing his Wine Business degree at Charles Sturt Uni, with the aim to get him closer to his dream. He’d heard rumours of my pending retire and enquired on the possibility of transitioning Patina to him.
I have built a strong reputation for Patina over 25 years starting from ground zero and am keen to see the legacy continue. So I’ll be working close with Rod and Chalou to ensure continuity.
I was hoping someone would pick up where I am leaving off so I have worked closely with Chalou for a few vintages with the aim of familiarising them with my winemaking style. Having watched them over the years, I have a great deal of respect for their ability. I think that Nadja’s amazing palate and Steve’s meticulous attention to detail are a winning combination that will catapault their young winery to legendary status.
Rod is coming to Patina from a different angle than I did as I have only made wine because I love making it… sales and marketing are just the essential part that enabled me to have another go at the grapes the next year… but I think Rod’s focus suits where Patina is now positioned as he has potential to launch Patina to another level.
I still love making wine, but reality has grabbed me… I need to tackle my other ambitions before many more birthdays. My continued involvement with the vineyard and winemaking process will give me opportunity to be creative and influence the style produced at Patina. I like this as I can keep my hand in winemaking… the bit I am passionate about.
I have not made wine over the last two years so some styles are in short supply. However, Patina will ramp up production again next year under Rod’s management. So, watch this space closely as it will be exciting.