COMMUTERS on the Nundle Rd will appreciate a colourful addition to the landscape at Piallamore during the next two weeks in the form of scarecrows.
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Lazy Poet Vineyard at Piallamore has launched a scarecrow making competition to meet two aims – to ward off starlings and have a bit of fun.
The vineyard is owned by Graham and Marlene Manvell of Ashby on Ebsworth Restaurant and Country Inn, and Stetson’s Steakhouse and Saloon Bar at Tamworth.
Stetson’s business manager Mike Peoples said starlings were traditionally a problem for the vineyard at this time of year because the birds eat the grapes as they ripen.
“The vineyard is in a residential area so it’s inappropriate to use scareguns, so scarecrows may be the next best solution,” Mr Peoples said.
“The scarecrow making competition was launched last week and we already have several entries.
“I expect strong interest between now and when picking begins on February 17.”
Scarecrows will be wired to the end of the row posts, protecting the grapes at this vital stage of ripening and during the three-day harvest.
Prizes for most colourful scarecrow, scariest scarecrow and most popular scarecrow will be awarded by the Stetson’s group. They include one night’s accommodation at Ashby on Ebsworth Rest-aurant and Country Inn, dinner for two at Stetson’s Steakhouse and Saloon Bar, and Lazy Poet wine packs.
Mr Peoples said the scarecrow making competition also aimed to create awareness of the Lazy Poet vineyard.
“This is the fourth vintage from the five acre vineyard at Piallamore,” he said.
“Other Lazy Poet vineyards are located at Bendemeer and Moore Creek, the three vineyards totalling 25 acres.
“Merlot, semillion, shiraz, and vedehello grape varieties will be harvested and transported to Port Macquarie where Cassegrain wine makers produce and bottle the wine.”
It is sold under the Lazy Poet label exclusively through Ashby on Ebsworth Restaurant and Country Inn, and Stetson’s Steakhouse and Saloon Bar.
“The heavy basalt soils at Piallamore produce quality grapes,” Mr Peoples said.
“The 2000 vintage was exceptional, as was the 2001 vintage.
“The wine sells out quickly because it is in limited supply and there is strong demand.”
Post allocations and erection will be allowed on Wednesdays and Saturdays between 11am and 2pm.
Entry forms available in The Northern Daily Leader should be posted to The Northern Daily Leader, 92 Brisbane St, Tamworth 2340.
For further information phone Mike Peoples on
6762 2622.
