SUE'S SOLO PERFORMANCE

FORMER Stonehaven winemaker Sue Bell has struck out on her own and is set to release wines under the Bellwether label. Since leaving Stonehaven last September, she has travelled to India and France, with a particular focus on Bordeaux and Burgundy as the prize for being named dux of the 2007 Len Evans tutorial. Back home, she will be based in Coonawarra and plans to make "top-notch, head-turning" Coonawarra cabernet and Tasmanian chardonnay using fruit from the Tamar Valley. "These are two styles I have a lot of passion for, and proven expertise," she says. "The concept is simple - good sites, meticulously managed, hand-picked fruit, chardonnay whole-bunch pressed, cabernet fermented in open-top fermenters, indigenous fermentation, basket pressed and subtle use of good French oak." The first Bellwether wine, a 2006 cabernet, is due for release later this year. For details ring 0417 080 945.