The wine experience

By guest bloggers Mary and Fin (Ruth's sister and brother-in-law)

For the last 8 years, we have been more than happy to enjoy the different vintages of Birdland wines, not to mention the Birdland hospitality on several occasions.

L to R - Ruth, Matt, John, Mary, Peter

On Tuesday, we were able to get more involved in the process!  We started in the morning with labelling the 2009 bottles. We had a great production line going and each settled into our preferred role.  Matt operated heavy machinery (the labeling machine!); Peter was in charge of packaging and distribution (putting bottles in boxes and using the sticky rollertape); Fin was in charge of supply (ensuring the bottles got to the labeller in time); Mary was Quality Control (being bossy if anyone made mistakes!); Ruth was troubleshooter (fixing the labeling machine); and John the foreman!

Peter in the cellar

At times we swapped roles, and everyone got to try the labeling machine but Fin couldn't be trusted and was over-zealous with the foot pedal, treating it like a car accelerator:  Too many labels - not enough bottles!

Fin and John

Mary trying labeling

Despite the temperamental machine, we finished all 50 cases before lunch, when Fin and John took over Quality Control, but this time tasting the wine!