PM makes stop for winery
BENT Road Winery owner Glen Robert found himself hosting the Prime Minister earlier this year when she pulled up a chair at his Woodford Folk Festival restaurant.
Amid the fire twirlers and bongo drummers, Julia Gillard and her official party took their seats at The Flash Fella, the only fine dining outlet at the festival.
Mr Robert said it was great to see the Prime Minister brushing shoulders with everyday people.
"It's a great opportunity to press flesh and see the common people," he said.
"It's a great cultural event. I think she enjoyed it a lot."
Also at the Prime Minister's table were Bob and Blanche Hawke, with Mr Hawke a regular visitor to the annual festival.
The official party enjoyed a taste of the Granite Belt, sipping on glasses of Bent Road Winery 2BC 2011 Tempranillo and the 2010 Chardonnay.
True to its name, The Flash Fella has seen a string of political guests in recent years, including Malcolm Turnbull and Wyatt Roy.
Mr Robert said the restaurant was one of the few places festival-goers could enjoy perks like polished glasses and cutlery.
"It's a respite from the festive vibe of other venues," he said.
"It serves as a niche where people can sit comfortably with proper plates and cutlery."
The Flash Fella is one of three food outlets run at the festival by Mr Robert, who has been pitching his tent at Woodford for nearly 20 years.
