Mr david Pettavel

Mr David Pettavel (left), born in Boudry, Switzerland, emigrated to Australia in 1842 aboard the barque Platina. Upon landing at Port Philip, Pettavel continued directly to the hills of Geelong to plant the regions first vineyard. These vineyards, and the wine produced from them were such a success that Pettavel immediately began plans for further vineyard development throughout the rolling hills of Geelong. The shortage of skilled labour became a major constraint to Pettavel's expansion, so a recruiting trip was planned to his homeland. Pettavel returned to Switzerland, and sailed back to Australia aboard the ship the Evening Star in 1856 after convincing family and friends to follow him to Australia to assist in the expansion of vineyards and wine production in Geelong.

The rapid expansion and development of the wine industry in Geelong halted abruptly in the late 1870's with the passing of Mr David Pettavel and other driving pioneers and the arrival of phylloxera and its associated devastation on the vineyards. The nearby gold rush also proved a temptation too great for many vigneron's, and labour shortages prevented vineyards from being replanted.

Michael Francis Fitzpatrick purchased land in Australia from his homeland in Ireland through an indenture scheme before emigrating to start a new life in the far away country. Michael Francis was one of the first arrivals to the Mildura region and spent his early years constructing irrigation channels that would later allow him to plant and grow grapes. Mike Fitzpatrick, grandson of Michael Francis, and his wife Sandi have continued developing the family trade of grape growing. The search for cooler climate production led Mike and Sandi to Geelong and in 1990 they began developing vineyards in Sutherlands Creek. Such was the quality of the grapes produced that the natural progression of constructing a winery, the second for the Fitzpatrick's, was undertaken.

Robyn Fitzpatrick, daughter of Mike and Sandi Fitzpatrick, is Pettavel’s General Manager. Before opening the Pettavel doors in December 2001, Robyn worked as a Chartered Accountant in Melbourne for 10 years. Robyn is a dedicated member of many wine and tourism committees and is passionate about promoting the Geelong wine region. Her role extends outside Pettavel, as Executive Board Member for the Geelong Winegrowers Association and Board Member for Geelong Otway Tourism.

                
Reece Fitzpatrick, son of Mike and Sandi, is a fourth generation grape grower and assists Mike in the management and maintenance of the vineyards.

Pettavel Winery and Restaurant opened its doors in December 2001, welcoming the first visitors to the cellar door and diners to the restaurant with the release of the 2000 vintage wines. Since opening Pettavel has been the recipient of numerous industry awards and reviews for its food and Pettavel has developed a reputation as a leading regional destination.

The Pettavel portfolio of wines are all estate grown and estate made, capturing and expressing the cool climate aromatic characters of the vineyards. The Pettavel restaurant focuses on sourcing the freshest local products for inspiration for the daily lunch menu.

Pettavel is ideally located in a vineyard setting on the outskirts of Geelong, close to the start of the Great Ocean Road and associated coastal towns.

Should your interest be a long relaxing lunch, an informal wine tasting, a light cellar door meal or merely coffee and a dessert from the restaurant menu, the Pettavel staff are waiting to welcome you.

The Geelong Region

Mr David Pettavel pioneered the establishment of the Geelong wine region in 1842 and the industry's early successes are a tribute to Mr Pettavel's accurate assessment of the climatic and geological influences in the region.

In recent years the Geelong region has experienced rapid growth and redevelopment of the once thriving wine industry. The region now boasts over 50 independent wine producers located across a three sub-regions, the Moorabool Valley, the Surf Coast and the Bellarine Peninsula, within the greater Geelong Geographic Index. These sub-regions vary vastly in terms of climatic influence, from the maritime influenced Bellarine Peninsula and coastal towns to the continental influenced inland regions of Sutherlands Creek and Bannockburn. These varying climatic influences allow the Geelong region to produce a broad range of grape varieties and associated wine styles, offering numerous options for wine drinkers.

The Geelong region is not only home to a number of wine producers but the region is also a source for numerous premium food products and is fast developing a reputation as a gourmet food and wine destination. Located at the start of the Great Ocean Road, Victoria's premier tourist attraction provides even greater attraction to the region.

For further information on the Geelong region and associated attractions please consult the following web site's;

Wine Geelong - Geelong's regional wine organisation. www.winegeelong.com.au

Visit Geelong - General visitor information on the Geelong region. www.visitgeelong.org