{"product_id":"growing-grapes-might-be-fun-how-we-made-a-vineyard-out-of-a-junkyard-at-cockatoo-hill-paperback","title":"Growing Grapes Might Be Fun: How We Made a Vineyard Out of a Junkyard at Cockatoo Hill - Paperback","description":"\u003cp\u003eby \u003cb\u003eDeirdre Macken\u003c\/b\u003e (Author)\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eAn honest, very funny account of a couple's move to the country for a fresh start. Bursting with optimism and a can-do attitude, they're on a steep learning curve as they establish a vineyard and learn how things are done in the country.\u003c\/b\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ci\u003eI imagined lounging on a veranda overlooking folds of hills striped with vines. I'd be clothed in linen and surrounded by friends. On the table would be tumblers of wine we'd picked in last year's harvest. Then we arrived at Cockatoo Hill and discovered a dump.\u003c\/i\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e When Deirdre and her husband Roger decide to turn a sheep paddock into a vineyard, they are following the centuries-old tradition of family winemaking. Bit by bit they clean up the land, plant vines, protect them through storms and drought and turn a shack into a cottage. Slowly they start to read the landscape, appreciate the talents of locals and learn what to do when a snake passes by. \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e This is a humorous memoir with larger-than-life characters, hard slog and sweet triumph. It is also a story of a deepening awareness of our connection with the land and the rhythms of farming life. \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e 'Deirdre Macken's memoir is more than a lively account of turning unpromising, trash-strewn hectares into a productive vineyard. It's a reflection on family, community and the rewards of caring for the land that sustains us.' -- \u003ci\u003e\u003cb\u003eGeraldine Brooks, Pulitzer Prize winning author\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e 'I simply adored reading this account of a life-change with a purpose, laden with honesty and Deirdre's characteristic wit. Above all, I won't forget the love on display or city-rural wisdom gained. All that's left is to try the wine!'\u003ci\u003e\u003cb\u003e \u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e --\u003ci\u003e\u003cb\u003e Geraldine Doogue, ABC presenter\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003ch3\u003eAuthor Biography\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eDeirdre Macken\u003c\/b\u003e is a journalist, columnist and author. She has written for \u003ci\u003eThe Australian Financial Review\u003c\/i\u003e, the \u003ci\u003eSydney Morning Herald\u003c\/i\u003e and its color magazine, \u003ci\u003eGood Weekend\u003c\/i\u003e, \u003ci\u003eThe Age\u003c\/i\u003e and \u003ci\u003eThe Australian\u003c\/i\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNumber of Pages:\u003c\/strong\u003e 304\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e 0.9 x 9.1 x 6 IN\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePublication Date:\u003c\/strong\u003e March 19, 2024\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Books by splitShops","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51764200702240,"sku":"9781761067709","price":17.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0974\/9764\/5344\/files\/5a594727721db417d099a46d2bd92a16.webp?v=1780245577","url":"https:\/\/ebocreations.com\/products\/growing-grapes-might-be-fun-how-we-made-a-vineyard-out-of-a-junkyard-at-cockatoo-hill-paperback","provider":"The E-Book Oasis LLC","version":"1.0","type":"link"}