Garden party benefits Totara Reserve

POHANGINA Valley Estate raised $1000 for the Totara Reserve Regional Park after a successful garden party at the vineyard’s Valley Road property near Ashhurst on Saturday.

Eighty-five people enjoyed the occasion - the vineyard’s latest community initiative to enhance the park’s profile and collect funds for more totara trees at the reserve.

The result matches the $1000 raised last year through the sale of the vineyard’s initial Totara Reserve Beaujolais-style summer wine.

A silent auction for three bottles each of the wine’s 2008 and 2009 vintages drew some spirited bidding before an eventual sale at $179.95.

Co-owner Fiona McMorran said it was the vineyard’s first garden party, with many of the revellers hoping a similar event would be held next year.