By Jenni Ivins*
As an artist in residence at Cannibal Creek Vineyard last week, I had a fabulous time exploring the venue, taking photos and listening to stories about Tynong North and its neighbours, and meeting Alphonse the winery cat.
I was there as a part of the inaugural What’s On Cardinia Festival, in which Cardinia Council has paired artists and musicians with businesses to create free experiences throughout the month of February.
Thanks to the locals and visitors who stopped in to visit me with suggestions and stories, and those who posted their photos and ideas in Facebook groups.
Many ideas were offered for inclusion in the first two mind drawings in the project. I have tried to include them all, which was a little challenging when I had not received a photo to reference.
I was impressed however by a local gentleman who went out in the dark to take a photo of the 42-mile post marker in Maryknoll, the night before I had to submit the drawing to the paper.
With permission, I did use a photo that was offered for my 2020 A Part Together game project, as it showed the statue at the entrance to Maryknoll, which someone else had suggested I include.
Many of the subjects in the Cannibal Creek Vineyard and neighbours mind drawing were based on exciting things I documented while I was hosted by the lovely Kirsten Hardiker and staff.
As I explored the venue, it became apparent that the business is serious about sustainability. The restaurant serves fresh produce from the garden, and I noticed several different composting systems, solar panels and water storage.
“Garden waste, cardboard, paper, serviettes and coffee grounds all go into the composting system,” said Kirsten, who started the Cannibal Creek business with her husband Patrick 25 years ago.
“We planted and we are still here running and further developing the business. The wines are grown, made and bottled here and then served at our restaurant with delicious local produce!”
The mouth-watering menu reflects the support given to other local producers, further lowering their food mile footprint, at the same time offering the diners fresh and delicious fare. Kirsten spoke of the fabulous Cannibal Creek Bakehouse, Peppermint Ridge… all the wonderful eateries and cafes in Garfield, Nar Nar Goon and Bunyip.
I enjoyed a delicious lunch; half and half cheese and charcuterie, and pumpkin and mushroom arancini.
One of the vineyard’s signature experiences is the Cannibal Creek Wine Experience. It’s a tutored tasting with notes and a tasting plate to match each wine. They also have a dedicated Cellar for wine tasting all weekend.
“Our wines are always receiving third party recognition and awards, with our current release Pinot Noir awarded Best Gippsland Pinot Noir at the Gippsland Wine Show!” said Kirsten.
But Cannibal Creek is not just about wine. You can pop in for a cuppa or beer, or a delicious lunch or dinner on Friday, Saturday or Sunday. Cannibal Creek is kids friendly and pet friendly too!
I chose Cannibal Creek as one of my host venues for the project because we have always enjoyed the friendly hospitality, perfect meals, and peaceful setting.
The original mind drawings from the Art of Business and Community project are in the What’s On Cardinia Festival artists exhibition at the Cardinia Cultural Centre until mid-March.
Prints of the drawings will be available via the artist Jenni@MindDrawing.net.
*Jenni Ivins is the artist behind ’The Art of Business and Community’, an art project that combines business and community for the 2022 What’s On Cardinia Festival.
