TEN MINUTES BY TRACTOR
Ten Minutes by Tractor is one of Mornington Peninsula’s marquee wineries. Its highly evocative name tells a story about the short distance between vineyards, yet emphasises modernity and agriculture. Whilst its story goes back to 1997 and the quixotic ambitions of three families, Ten Minutes by Tractor has forged its own particular path since it was acquired by vignerons Martin and Karen Spedding in 2004. Their journey has been far from easy over the last 20 years, but their contribution to the Mornington Peninsula wine community is profound. Their happy optimism, generosity of spirit and collaborative support highlight the appealing voice of place of this very special region. I first met Martin Spedding at the annual Pinot Massif winemaker workshops, run by an extraordinary group of technically brilliant winemakers willing to share their knowledge. This forum has played a remarkable role in the development of pinot noir in Victoria. It has also cemented lifelong friendships based on a common purpose. Some years back now, before Covid struck, I was asked by Martin to MC the Mornington Peninsula’s Pinot Noir Celebration where I found myself more immersed in the clockwork of Mornington Peninsula life. This also led to a request to write a book on the early modern pioneers of the region. ‘The Essence of Dreams: The Story of Mornington Peninsula Wine’ (the title coined by Rosalie White of Main Ridge fame) gave me insights about the trials and tribulations of establishing a new wine region. Whilst not a rags-to-riches story – in fact, more of the opposite – the Mornington Peninsula region can boast some of the most progressive, imaginative and engaging winemakers in Australia. Like myself, Martin Spedding has a fascination for Australian wine history, but also the ideals of cool-climate winemaking. He has invested hugely in building something meaningful and productive over the last two decades. New vineyards have been purchased, a winery constructed, and a cellar door and restaurant established at Main Ridge. Despite setbacks, including the destruction of a large part of its wine library and (since rebuilt) restaurant, Ten Minutes by Tractor has become a much-loved and important landmark regional wine brand. Its single vineyard pinot noirs are hallmark wines that deserve attention. Of particular note is Ten Minutes by Tractor Coolart Road Pinot Noir, which derives from a vineyard ‘down the hill’ in the warmer Mooruduc/Tuerong region. Although plantings go back to 2000, the vineyard has been totally converted to pinot noir and devoted especially to the Australian clone MV6, the Abel clone, and French clones 115, Pommard, and 777.
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