a personal note from us x
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A little rose lined dream
This is easily the most outlandish thing we’ve ever done, we're usually safe as houses and a touch overly considered, but in 2022 we set out to break the shackles of our lovely and somewhat ordinary life to do something a little extraordinary. With our rose-coloured lens firmly in place, we saw a little rose lined vineyard, a country home, cabins and a cellar door perched on the side of Mount Anakie, backed by a nature reserve.
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Except the vines and roses were hard to see, ghost trellises stood where unknown varieties once lived and the buildings were decked out in the top 10 of hues of the 80's. We had no bloody idea what we were doing and we did it anyway.
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​Head v Heart
Somewhat naively, we thought we like wine, good food, travel and gardening, so that should be enough to pull this off right! Our story is about having a go, pushing ourselves to the point of tummy flutters and being the driver of our own destiny. It's balanced by chasing more happiness, feeding our soul, respecting nature, shenanigans and mishaps. This is our way of saying, the heart said yes, and we told the head to take a hike.
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​So, while there was no plan, we liked it that way as the organic nature of what was to come brought something magical. We bloody love this place and sharing it with you is just the best.
Mabel, the Boss​​
It's fair to say we are less photogenic and attention seeking than the star of the show, our much loved four-legged sassy friend, Mabel the boxer dog. She is a reminder of small joys, life’s simple pleasures and leading with your heart (or your nose). Which is exactly what we're doing. There's something to blame Mabel for.
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We are Mr and Mrs Rowe, and so darn happy to meet you.
love led us here​​​​​​​​​​
and her name is Mabel
The vineyard through time - Blame Mabel, Victoria
​1984 - First vines planted in Moorabool Valley. The beginning of the dream, a patch of land and a big idea
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Bloody rabbits ring barked them, which means they chewed the trunks. They were replanted in 1986, all varieties were from France's Bordeaux Wine Region
1985 - Local historic brickworks used for build of three bedroom house, now accommodation in the Moorabool Valley
1988 - Rezoned for tourism, council approved the shift from rural to tourism use
​1989 - Staughton Cottage Restaurant and Cellar Door built
​1990 - Cellar door tastings and restaurant opened, a popular Friday night local hangout
1993 - Winery built
2004 - Accommodation - first vineyard cabin stay Victoria
2009 - Ownership changed
2015 - Ownership changed again
2022 - Blame Mabel is (re)born - extensive renovation and vineyard rebuilding
Sustainamabel
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Our Gentle Footprint – Sustainability at Blame Mabel
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At Blame Mabel, we tread lightly, embracing the perfectly imperfect and letting nature take the lead. Our sustainability efforts are simple, hands-on, and deeply rooted in respect for the land.
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We care about the environment, our vineyard is enriched with delicious soils and beneficial plants, creating a healthy environment for our vines to prosper and to produce perfumed wines. Its quiet, a little rugged, and just enough offbeat to keep things interesting.
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Wildlife First: Fewer chemicals, more wild corners for birds to nest and bees to forage. Butterflies are always welcome here.
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Homegrown Goodness: Seasonal produce, herbs, eggs, and veggies are grown right here—pick, eat, repeat.
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Nothing Wasted: Kitchen scraps become treats for the chooks. Compost bins keep nutrients in the loop. Other waste is thoughtfully recycled offsite.
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Hands-on Care: We swap machines for muscle, more achy backs, fewer noisy engines.
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Soil Love: Locally sourced mulch protects and feeds our soil. We treasure the ground beneath our feet.
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Thoughtful Sourcing: Soaps, breakfast provisions, and cellar door goodies come from local and micro suppliers we know and love.
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Grey Water Savvy: Water from showers and sinks is reused where it can safely nurture the land.
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Vintage and Valuable: Accommodation features carefully chosen vintage furnishings, characterful, not mass-produced.
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Tech-Free Tranquillity: No TVs, no unnecessary gadgets, just the sound of birdsong and breeze.
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More Trees, Please: We’re always planting, especially edibles, because trees feed us too.
We’re not perfect, and we don’t pretend to be, but every small choice adds up.
Thanks for walking gently with us.