Foxey’s Hangout: The Story Of One Family’s Vineyard Dream

Cathy Gowdie had a life plan: have two children in quick succession before the age of 30 and whip back into the office to resume a successful career.

But life had other plans, and when it became clear that she would have to change tack, Cathy and her husband Tony—a wine-lover and cook—packed up and moved to a plot of land on Mornington Peninsula in Australia to become winemakers. They knew it would never be easy. Like toddlers and Italian cars, the vineyards required constant vigilance, and Tony and Cathy soon discovered the delights and disasters of daily life on the land: scavenging birds, grape rot, objecting neighbours, late frost, dwindling bank balances, and the ever-present foxes. This enchanting memoir chronicles their journey and is illustrated throughout with lush photography and features a seasonal recipe for each month, from Wine-Braised Leeks with Pomegranate Molasses to Grilled Quail with Roasted Grapes.