We’re saying ‘cheers’ to retirement…
After more than 13 years in Pickering Brook, co-owner and winemaker Rob Puglisi is retiring from Due Jolly Winery and closing its cellar door from Sunday 19 January, 2020.
Due Jolly (Italian for ‘two jokers’) commenced with humble beginnings in 2006 in a building formerly used for fruit packing. After six years focusing on producing small batch vintages and converting a storage room, the cellar door opened to the public.
“I’ve been fermenting since high school. 20 years ago I started with some surplus grapes from a friend’s vineyard and a wine making textbook. I couldn’t have imagined my hobby; that started in my home shed, would with the help of a few partners and friends grow into the business it is today” said Rob.
Rob has balanced the demands of running the winery and cellar door with his day job, an engineer and Project Manager at Rio Tinto and Alcoa. “I’ve loved talking to all the people I have met over the years and introducing them to lesser known varieties such as our Vermentino, Fiano and Sangiovese. But after working seven days a week for six years it’s time for me to spend more time with my family and give some of my other hobbies some attention”.
With a catalogue of vintages aged to perfection Rob encourages customers old and new to visit for a bargain. “It wouldn’t be Due Jolly if we weren’t a bit unconventional. Come visit me at the cellar door, tell me which of our wines you like and I’ll cut you a deal”.
Key Dates:
- Sunday 22 December, 2019: The cellar door will cease to sell food including cheese boards, bruschetta and cake. The cellar door will remain open for wine tastings, coffee and a chat.
- Sunday 19 January, 2020: Last day for wine tastings and sales direct from the cellar door.
- Sunday 19 January onward: Customers can continue to buy wine until stocks run out. Contact Rob through Facebook, Instagram or email.
To stay up to date or to contact Rob outside of the cellar door hours follow Due Jolly Winery on Facebook or Instagram @duejolly.
