Ballarat the pick of the bunch

TOMBOY Hill has cemented Ballarat's position on the wine map with its inclusion in the prestigious James Halliday Australian Wine Companion.
The mention of Ian Watson's winery as the guide's most exciting new entry was among a string of accolades the Rebellion label pinot noir and chardonnay have received this year.
The Rebellion Chardonnay 2003 was best chardonnay in the Grampians Wine Challenge.
In August Tomboy Hill's Rebellion Pinot Noir 2002 was selected to represent Australia in the Tri-Nations Wine Challenge.
Mr Watson said Ballarat provided optimum growing conditions.
"Ballarat's inclement weather is our best friend as viticulturists," he said.
"It means the growing period is lengthened and grapes are ready when they are only just ripe.
"That produces small bunches and the best flavour."
Mr Watson sources grapes from his own vineyard in Black Hill and a patchwork of other plantings around Ballarat.
His wines are sold at top Australian restaurants including the Flower Drum, Langton's and The Botanical in Melbourne and Icebergs, Longrain and Rockpool in Sydney.
They are also available at selected Ballarat stockists and restaurants.
The former schoolteacher said he was pleased that his relatively small operation had become widely appreciated.