The story behind Mary and Terry's Hill of Promise Winery is much more than just the dream to make wine, but a reminder of a grandfather's legacy to his grandson.

Grapes From My Grandparents

"I made my first wine with my grandfather when I was 9 years old," recalls Terry, or 'Terranzo the Winemaker', as he is more affectionately known. He crushed the grapes by hand, the purple-red juices on his hands, up his arms and onto his clothes, "it was pretty rough, but it was ours."

Terry from Hill Of Promise Winery at 'Tastings on the Terrace', 2016 (Credit: Paul Beutel)

The story behind Mary and Terry's Hill of Promise Winery is much more than just the dream to make wine, but a reminder of a grandfather's legacy to his grandson. The name itself is testament to Terry's grandparents, who journeyed to Australia as a young, married couple, only 16 and 17, with half a dozen words of English, ten shillings and dreams to create a home here. In reflecting upon the journey his family undertook to arrive at Childers, their land of promise and opportunity, it seemed only fitting that their little mountain of opportunity be called 'Hill of Promise'.

'Tastings on the Terrace', 2016 (Credit: Paul Beutel)

 After Mary and Terry travelled overseas in 1991, a seed was planted to start a bed and breakfast and in 1997 Mango Hill Cottages Bed and Breakfast was opened. It wasn't till three years later in 2000, when 25 acres right next door became available, that the opportunity for Terry to grow his own grapes and create traditional wine, just like his Sicilian grandparents, presented itself. Since starting, Hill of Promise has produced award-winning wines, beautiful bed and breakfast experiences, and created a unique atmosphere where Mary and Terry have opened their arms to guests, treating them like family.

So, what's next? Terry is currently in the process of building a roman oven, hand-carving each brick himself. He hopes to re-create the traditional Sunday lunch atmosphere he experienced at his grandfather's as a child; sharing the aromas of slow-cooked roast lamb and chicken, Italian sausages, local roasted sweet potatoes, eggplant, capsicum and pizza with his guests, the hum of conversation and laughter in the air, families in the winery sipping on wine, enjoying the sunshine and each other's company.

Terry enjoying the fruits of his labour (Credit: Paul Beutel)

What has been created, grown, nurtured and loved at 'Hill of Promise Winery' proves that one moment of love and passion between a grandfather and his grandson can lead to something much bigger than ever imagined.

Discover their story first-hand at 'Tastings on the Terrace' this Winterfeast, book your tickets now!