Chateau Pato

Chateau Pato is a small Pokolbin vineyard established in 1979 and still run by the family that planted it, with Nick Paterson now the owner and winemaker. It is one of the few unirrigated vineyards in the district, and much of the work in the rows is done by hand. Shiraz is the focus, led by the DJP off the original plantings, with Chardonnay, Semillon and a handful of other varieties alongside. This is a maker's cellar door rather than a polished tourist room.

Visits are by appointment only, so text or call Nick on 0419 291 336 before you drive out, and expect a slower reply through harvest from late January into April. Thompsons Road puts you close to the heart of Pokolbin, which makes an arranged tasting here easy to fold into a day around the central cluster. Go for the wine and the conversation rather than the facilities.