The weather gods were not completely ‘on side’ as 18 members and guests of the AMOC SA branch assembled at the Mylor Oval in the Adelaide Hills at 10.30am on Sunday 23rd August. There had been a lot of rain in the previous days that had made the track around the oval muddy and certainly not suited to ground-hugging Aston Martins. This was not what Area Rep Terry Jones had in mind when he asked members to gather at the rear of the oval for photographs to adorn our web page and so this idea was abandoned. Cars ranging from a new DB11 owned by prospective member Ben to Terry H’s 1977 prototype Vantage were present and we set off on the 75km run at 11am.
The run took us south through Echunga, Strathalbyn and on to Milang on the shore of Lake Alexandrina. From there we turned east and then north passing through some very old vineyard country with the gnarled vines a testament to the many fine wines produced in the area over many decades.
We drove through Langhorne Creek and after few kilometers, we arrived at Bremerton Winery, the setting for our lunch. We had some brief showers on the drive but they had cleared by the time we arrived and the sun was shining though the wind was ‘bracing’. After a few photographs of the cars with the vines in the background, we went inside to the old stone building warmed by a log fire.
Seven additional members joined us there and we were spread over 3 tables to comply with the very sensible COVID restrictions.
A complimentary glass of wine was offered and Terry (and many others) chose the Tamblyn red blend that showed lovely fruit and tannin on the palate and a deep red colour in the glass – it has been one of Terry’s favourites for years. There was an abundance of food with starters, pizzas and a cheese board with coffees to finish, all at a very reasonable price. Many attendees were complimentary about the venue, food, wine and value for money.
Terry addressed the group, noting it was the tenth anniversary this month of his joining the Club and that he had chosen the drive and venue deliberately because it was the same drive and venue of that first run. Terry also observed that first impressions are always important and his first impressions of the Club (and particularly the members) was very positive. He hoped that the new and prospective member present would have similar positive impressions of the Club and its members as he still retained.
After much conversation, the meeting concluded around 3.30pm and we all returned home along more of the flat roads running through more vine country with the sun shining stronger as the afternoon progressed.
The next run will be in late September – details will be forwarded shortly.