Host Profile
My Property
Business Type
Farming methods
Short Property Description
We are an 88 acre citrus, botanical and livestock farm. With operational cafe and Gin Distillery within the property. We adopt regenerative practices where we can to achieve a no chemical approach to our produce outcomes. Main commercial produce is the fruits and botanicals for use in the Distillery. In 2019 we also planted 350 oaks and pines that have all been inoculated with a truffle fungi for our white and black truffle “truffiere” . Once again no chemicals are used so it is a labour of love and willingness to assist the growth of our trees. We are also in the middle of setting up an organic style garden to provide the cafe with produce and our meat for the cafe comes from our own stock or neighbouring properties and must be all grass reared and fed. We are just outside the township Yarra Glen deep in the wine area of the Yarra Valley. Our farm and distillery is operated by our whole family. My wife and I help and assist in all areas of the operation. Our son is our head distillery and our daughter is our amazing foodie that along with Gayle (my wife) develops ideas for the kitchen and looks after mainly the cafe side. We have had a long history in hospitality and our farm is a journey of learning and passion. We have 4 grandchildren that are still quite young and have no idea what lies ahead of them – Yet!. But the 5 year old’s favorite thing is collecting the eggs and feeding the girls (chooks). There is always lots to do but we go about it in a fun and relaxed way. We’re not here to kill ourselves working and if you would like to share a part of our dream with us, then we would love to share it with you.
Organic/Biological methods we use
Although not certified organic, we made a decision to operate the farm as regeneratively as we could. Firstly not to use chemicals. We do not spray our orchards and gardens or even around our paddocks. this includes both herbicides and pesticides. We venture into companion planting in our garden and accept the fact that sometimes even the bugs need something to eat. We do a lot of manual work taking care of what we plant. Our main goal and what we believe to be our regenerative journey is doing everything we can to keep our soils health at its optimum. This includes aged mulch around our trees, lots of mulch, regular soil tests and mineral adjustments to aid our production. Monitoring our soil wetness to avoid over watering and keeping the nutrients balanced to allow for optimum microbiome levels and a perfect medium for plant growth. We are learning all the time but that is the best part about our journey. The best thing we believe is to teach our children’s children the value of looking after the land we live on and in doing so learning what it gives back to us in the form of our food. If you share your time with us we would love you to share our journey of learning and discovery.
My Details
The Stay
Can Accommodate
Preferred length of Stay
1-2 weeks, Longer stays by negotiation, Whatever suits
Accommodation
Other options
Non-Smoking, No Smoking Inside, No Pets please
Meal Procedures
Eat together, Eat separately, Share most meals
Languages spoken
Diets we cater for
Mixed meals, some meat, some vegetarian, Meat based meals
Work and Study Remotely here
Work and Study Remotely here by arrangement
Why I became a WWOOF Host
To share our family vision and knowledge as well as getting a little help along the way with our day to day things to do. We hope to have you enjoy with us the achievement of seeing our plantings grow and produce, To spend time caring for the health of the plants and the soil. We aim to see you leave here with fond memories and a enjoyable experiences that stay with you on your journeys ahead. From caring for sheep cattle and chooks to seeing the gardens and orchards take shape. From drenching to bottling gin our previous woofers have had quite a diverse experience.
