Growing Grapes Might be Fun

When Deirdre and Roger swap city life for a sheep paddock, they imagine a life of rolling hills, sun-drenched vineyards, and leisurely afternoons on the veranda. Reality, however, has other plans. What they find is a dump—and a steep learning curve.

Determined to create their dream vineyard, they roll up their sleeves, battle storms, droughts, snakes, and the unexpected challenges of rural life, all while discovering the rhythms of the land and the talents of their quirky local community. Bit by bit, they turn a neglected paddock into a thriving vineyard, and a shabby shack into a cozy cottage, all with humor, heart, and an unstoppable can-do spirit.

Filled with laugh-out-loud moments, larger-than-life characters, and sweet triumphs, Cockatoo Hill is more than a memoir about winemaking—it’s a story of resilience, connection to the land, and the joy of following a dream, no matter how messy the start.

Pages: 294