Kathleen Quealy is one of the most, if not the most well-known winemakers on the Peninsula. The first person to plant Pinot Gris/Grigio in Australia, she is a pioneer of the industry. Kathleen and her husband Kevin McCarthy launched T Gallant winery (now owned by Treasury Wine Estate) in the early 90’s. Kevin was the winemaker at T Gallant up until 2014.
The cellar door at Quealy Wines is smack bang in the middle of a working winery. There is nothing fancy here but on any given day you could be served by the winemaker, cellar door/marketing manager, the vineyard manager, Kathleen’s son Tom, Kevin or Kathleen herself, depending on who is around.
Special mention must go to the wide range of animals found here. There is a famous overly-friendly cat named Ninja, each staff member has a dog (or 2)
This is a really authentic experience which may or may not include a casual tour of the winery, blind tasting or a cat or a dog sitting at your feet. It all depends on the day.
The cellar door tastings are conducted IN the winery. You’ll be surrounded by barrels and machinery as you taste these great wines. For most groups it delivers a fantastic contrast to the beautiful, manicured outlooks of many Red Hill wineries.
Content from wine compass.
