We cannot believe how fast the last 12 months has gone. It has literally flown! It has been an extremely busy and exciting time for all of us at Mistletoe.

We have had some lows – losing all our Hunter red grapes because of the heavy rain we experienced in late January and early February, but in virtually every other respect it has been a year of highs.

First, Lorenzo the Italian winemaker we brought to Australia to spend vintage at Mistletoe. Lorenzo now calls Australia home, wants to stay here permanently and will be applying to become an Australian citizen.

He is working with our very good friend John Cassegrain, in Port Macquarie, where he has just been appointed head winemaker.

Lorenzo has brought his girlfriend (Cuquita, a viticulturalist) out from the United States and we think wedding bells may not be all that far away. We welcome them both to Australia’s winemaking community and wish them every success.

The unfortunate bout of vintage rain we had in the Hunter led us to purchase extra grapes from the Hilltops ( Young) Region of NSW where we have been sourcing fruit for the past few years.

Hilltops has had what the locals describe as “the best vintage for twenty years” and seeing the reds in the barrels we can endorse that perception wholeheartedly.

In the early part of 2009 we shall be releasing a Shiraz-Viognier, a Cabernet-Merlot and a barrel fermented Viognier, all made from Hilltops grapes. You will not be disappointed with these wines… They are crackerjack!

It will be a real pleasure to see them wearing Mistletoe labels.

Congratulations to our winemaker Nick and his wife Danielle who welcomed their new little baby girl, Sasha, to this world on October 18th. Sasha is their first child, so both of them, especially Nick, are on a totally new learning curve and learning to do without sleep – just like vintage!

Luckily we have the fantastic 2008 Hilltops reds to put away for Sasha’s birth year.

All of us at Mistletoe wish you, and your loved ones, a happy, safe and joyous Festive Season followed by a successful 2009.

Thank you all for your ongoing support. It is sincerely appreciated.

Merry Christmas from Ken, Gwen, Robert, Cassandra, Julie, Nick, Kristy, Roger, Margaret and Linda.