This week on the Magazine, we stop by our favourite Bellarine Peninsula wine bar, Noble Rot (co-founder Kate’s local!). There’s really no better spot to pop a cork than here - just a stone’s throw from the beach, with a stellar selection of local and international wines, and a super knowledgeable lovely team. We chat to wine connoisseur and founder, Jordon Berry, about the family business and what he’s getting up to this Father’s Day. And of course, it would be rude not to get his top five vino recommendations!
1. First up, happy Father’s Day! Can you tell us what your dream Father’s Day looks like?
The dream Fathers Day would have to be a little sleep in then taking the girls down to either front beach or Ocean Grove for a surf and coffee. Scrambled eggs and bacon for breakfast then just relaxing around the house before an early barbeque dinner and a good bottle of red.
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2. You’re the founder of Noble Rot, a beautiful little wine bar in Point Lonsdale that happens to be our co-founder Kate’s go-to local. Tell us about the business and how / when you started?
Noble Rot is wine bar and wine store that I opened in 2014 with my parents. We pretty much just thought we would love to have a place to just grab a good glass of wine and maybe a little snack. After talking about it for a little we decided to just go for it. It all happened pretty quick, we signed a lease in February, did a quick fit out and opened in March. The aim was always to focus on quality wine but keep a relaxed coastal atmosphere where both local and visitors could come and just relax. Having worked predominantly in wine retail it made sense to also offer the wine list as takeaway and more recently as an online store.
3. It can be tricky juggling a small business and parenting duties. Any tips or things that have worked for you to ensure you don’t end up working 24/7 and can find some quality time together?
It’s definitely a challenge particularly in hospitality where my busy days are the weekends. My partner also works full time so it often feels like ships in the night. Recently Noble Rot changed to 4 nights a week and lunch on the weekends which has given me 3 nights a week at home and we usually try to go out for dinner at least once. Having holidays planned also gives some light at the end of the tunnel.
4. With a little bit of luck, some of us today will be settling down with a nice bottle of plonk to celebrate the day. What are your top five vino recommendations?
Here’s 5 drops that are all winners at my house.
1. Andre Delorme Cremant de Bourgogne Blanc de Blancs $33– Delicious dry French sparkling from Burgundy, puts most entry level big house Champagne to shame. Has been the house pour at Noble Rot from the start and still a winner.
2. 2020 Pierrick Laroche Domaine des Hates Chablis $49 – Classic Chablis with pure citrus, wet stone minerality and lip smacking acidity. Pure refreshment.
3. 2021 Singlefile Great Southern Chardonnay $30 From Denmark in the South of W.A. Full flavoured Chardonnay showing just the right amount of toasty oak but still juicy and fresh.
4. 2022 Bloody Hill Villages Coldstream Pinot Noir $40. From cult Yarra Valley producer Timo Mayer and son Rivar. This is all bright and crunchy fresh raspberry and strawberry flavour with a lovely silky texture. Dangerously drinkable.
5. 2020 Lethbridge Que Syrah Syrah $30 – Standout local Geelong winery Lethbridge has done a great job with this Shiraz from the tricky 2020 vintage. Soft and rich dark fruits and lifted spice notes. Perfect with a roast dinner.
