THE MAGNOLIA has opened it cellar doors again for drop in tastings and sales over the Queen’s Birthday weekend – 11am to 4pm.

However, maintaining social distancing and sanitising hands at the door – will be required for visitors in maintaining COVID-19 regulations.

The Magnolia is a beautiful and historic location with lovely garden surrounds.

Ros Ritchie invites visitors to pop in and sample her stunning wines but unfortunately food cannot be served at this time.

Ros said last week this year had been particularly hard times for many.

“First there was the drought, then the North East fires and then COVID-19 which has affected the grape harvest," Ros said.

“Our harvest was down around 47 per cent due to the drought and then we buy in from other vineyards which had been affected by the drought and the fires, in particular the King Valley vineyards.

"But our Barwite vineyard harvest was excellent – the grapes were of excellent quality although volumes were down slightly."

Among the varieties still able to be produced this season were her Riesling - aromoiatic blend, pinot gris, pinot grigio, nebbiolo, and a lovely rose as well as a sparkling nebbiolo which will not be released for a couple of years.

“Unfortunately there will be no reds this season due to the low harvests and smoke damage,” Ros said.

Ros Ritchie Wines is a proudly local and Australian owned family wine business.

In 2008, Ros established her own winemaking enterprise with an independent label.

She has operated from Barwite Vineyards since 2014 were she is also the esteemed winemaker.

She now has 12 wines under her own label.

In 2019 Ros opened her cellar door at Magnolia House on Mount Buller Road, Mansfield, a dream come true for her.

“Once again this lovely old house is being used and loved,” Ros said.

Since opening the doors of Magnolia just 12 months ago, Ros has expanded what she first thought would be a weekend stop for visitors – including her well established Friday Night Club.

But unfortunately at this time she cannot hold her Friday Night Club with its live music entertainment, drink and nibbles due to the COVID-19 restrictions.

“But I can still cater for private parties within the house with limited numbers and staying within by the virus regulations,” she said.

“When things get back to normal the Friday nights will start again and the home will be alive with local music, free nibbles and grazing platters of winter hearty fare and we will be offering grazing menus over weekends – but just not for now.”

Ros Ritchie's Magnolia cellar door will be open every weekend and public holidays from 11am to 4pm.

The cellar door is situated at 190 Mt Buller Road directly opposite Timothy Lane.