Vineyard: Hazelrigg Vineyard, Range Road, The Range

Year vineyard developed: 2000

Vineyard trellis type and varieties grown: VSP. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Viognier.

What promoted you to develop a vineyard? It had been David’s dream for about 20 years. When bushwalking in Kuitpo Forest years ago, he used to comment that a vineyard in that region would be wonderful.

He and Judie went to McLaren Vale for the October long weekend in 1999 and thought they would look at any suitable properties that might be for sale. The first property they were shown was bathed in sunlight, with cows grazing contentedly on the brilliant green grass; it was such a tranquil sight. When they rang the agent the following morning to sign the contract his droll reply was: "What took you so long?"
There have been many hiccups along the way and without the enthusiastic support and encouragement of close friends, John and Joan Harnett of McLaren Heights, they might not have made such a commitment.
Other friends who have been very helpful and supportive are Hugh and Pam Hamilton. Without the friendship, advice, resources and optimism of these seasoned grape growers and winemakers, the Felgates believe they would not have achieved so much in such a short time.
"Geoff Hardy's recommendation to seek advice from Adam at Vitiwise was the best ever," said Judie.
"Adam has been a tower of strength and has shown great patience, especially when we have been too busy with other areas of our lives to achieve everything we should have. He is a welcome member of our team. Thanks must also go to our ever changing crew of 'Likely Lades' who slave away in all weather. In particular, Sebastian Moss who is the captain of this crew and despite some hair raising adventures with tractors, trees, motorbikes and kangaroos, has become one of the family and we respect him greatly. We admire the pride and ownership he displays in the property."

There has always been a strong family interest in wine making. Judie’s father had a vineyard on South Road from 1930 to the late ’50s.
David and a friend, Ian Leitch have been making wine together for a number of years. They were such Halcyon Days that they decided to call their wine just that: "Halcyon".

David and Judie founded a Wine Tasting Group with friends, which has been meeting regularly for 35 years.

Red: Cool Climate Cabernet and Cabernet blends such as Freycinet Cabernet Merlot. Complements Judie’s Filet de Boeuf en Croute.

White: Viognier (eg The Virgilus), served with David’s Marinated Barbecued Octopus.

The Felgates' son, Nicholas, studied Wine Marketing at Roseworthy and has been involved in the wine industry in various roles since graduating. He is very committed to the vineyard project and his expertise comes in very handy.

Daughter Alexandra, graduated in the Arts, but is also employed in the wine industry. She is an enthusiastic supporter of her parents’ vineyard. Her artistic skills were utilised for the design of the labels for the wine David makes.

Judie recently retired so that she too can be more actively involved in the vineyard development. Her interest in gardening has seen flowers and trees included in the property layout at Kuitpo where the Felgates are about to build a new home, having recently sold their house in Adelaide.

Occupation: Retired

Well, what we would like to see happen is, increased exports, increased interest in uncommon grape varieties and in small, privately owned wineries. That is our dream! If only we had a crystal ball. BUT, on the other hand . . . maybe it's just as well we can't see into the future!