When it's snowing outside the Cellar Door makes for a cosy retreat, far removed from what it must have been like as the region's original school house years ago.
Mayfield Vineyard, near Orange is one of the highest and coolest vineyards in Australia. Situated 930 metres above sea level, four distinct seasons play into the hands of winegrower Richard Thomas, who doesn't get to enjoy the fireside comforts during the cooler months.
The guiding philosophy here is the harmonious practice of viticulture and winemaking to produce single-vineyard wines of distinction, which express the unique qualities of the site.
The soils are ancient and the extended and gradual ripening season results in elegant, refined wines which express a certain place at a certain time.
The school room may now be a cellar door, but this hasn't stopped the lessons or the sharing of opinions.