Welcome to Winter

Writing this piece each edition, I can’t help but mention the seasons - the one we’re leaving behind and the one fast approaching. Autumn seemed reluctant to leave this year; the leaves clung longer than usual, and we all welcomed the extended run of warmer days albeit feeling desperate for rain. What will winter bring? It never arrives politely, it pushes in with purpose and reminds us it’s time to look inward, recalibrate, and seek warmth and connection. 

We begin this issue by venturing into The Woods to meet a creative couple who have spent a decade crafting not just a home, but a way of life. Their hand-built modern farmhouse is a testament to patience, vision, and the kind of thoughtful living that responds to the landscape around them. 

Then we head to Kyneton to visit Leanne Coates at Cavaletti Gallery. Leanne weaves resilience and artistry into every fibre of her work. Her move from hospitality to fashion-prompted by both personal challenge and creative clarity - reminds us of the power of reinvention, and of the quiet revolution that slow fashion represents in a fast-moving world. 

Still on Piper Street, the spirit of collaboration is alive and well at Piper Street Wine Company. This winter, Frank Camorra of MoVida fame takes the reins, offering a bistro-style menu rich with Spanish comfort. Owner Brendan Lane’s commitment to evolving the dining experience proves that even in small towns, big ideas can flourish. 

In Daylesford, winespeake continues to rewrite the script on wine appreciation. Jen Latta’s journey from orange-juice-enhanced Chardonnay to curating one of the region’s most respected wine bars is a lesson in learning through experience and building community through good taste. 

We also take a look at the changes happening at Hepburn Bathhouse & Spa. Here, under the stewardship of head therapist Fabian Ferri, history and healing converge, it’s a place where wellness isn’t a trend - it’s tradition. 

And finally, we visit the apiary at Warral Maldon to meet Lindsay Callaway, a fourth-generation beekeeper who balances heritage with innovation. His work is more than honey production - it's about working with the landscape, embracing change and protecting the future of food systems through sustainable apiculture. 

This edition also marks a change behind the camera. We bid farewell and heartfelt thanks to our long-time photographer Chris Turner, whose eye has shaped the visual identity of this magazine for many seasons. In this winter issue, we welcome Peter Tarasiuk, whose lens brings fresh perspective to the stories we tell. 

As always, we round out our pages with a seasonal guide to what’s happening across the region - there’s a flurry of things to entertain us over the coming months! Until next time, stay warm 

Melissa Jenkins,
Editor