LUIGI Bazzani had to learn the best to be the best.
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The renowned Ballarat winemaker and restaurateur has catered for the rich, famous and even royalty.
But after four decades in the industry, Mr Bazzani and his wife Athalie are looking to retire.
The Warrenmang Vineyard and Resort founders are hoping to take a new lease on life when they sell their empire of 37 years.
Mr Bazzani said it was time for a change.
“I think life tells you when the time is right,” he said.
“I will be a sad person when it happens.”
The pair created innovative dining experiences in Ballarat in the 1970s, which included opening La Scala in 1976.
“We were in front of Melbourne in those times,” he said.
“There was a lot of cooking at the table at La Scala.”
The Bazzanis are also responsible for Bendigo’s Copper Pot and Lamby’s Bar and Cafe in Geelong.
They established the Warrenmang Vineyard and Bazzani Wines near Avoca in 1977.
Mr Bazzani attributes his success to hard work.
“I am the person that always gives the best I possibly can,” he said.
“(Hospitality) is a seven-day-a-week job and, if you want success, it’s more than that.”
Mr Bazzani was born in Italy in 1939 to a builder father and chef mother.
He moved to London in the 1960s where he began working in hospitality.
In the late 1960s, he met Athalie and the pair moved to Australia.
Mr Bazzani has always worked in front of house, but understands the need to be a master of everything.
“If you buy a restaurant, you learn what happens in the kitchen,” he said.
“In the country, you never know if your chef is going to call in sick.”
Earlier this year, Mr Bazzani received an Order of Australia medal for his service to the food, wine and hospitality industry.
Witnessing the Queen drink a glass of Warrenmang sauvignon blanc is also something Mr Bazzani is proud of.
Warrenmang Estate has quietly been on the market for the past few years, but this is the first public listing of the estate.
Mrs Bazzani said foreign buyers had expressed an interest in the winery.
“Chinese investors are looking at purchasing Warrenmang,” she said.
“We would like to see it go into the hands of a successful wine business, so they can take it to the next level.”
Three Warrenmang vineyards at Moonambel and Avoca are for sale.
Mr Bazzani said the prospective new buyer should be keen to better the property.
“It is ready for an expansion,” he said.
kara.irving@fairfaxmedia.com.au