Cover Story
A glimpse into the wine-soaked and wondrous world of Polperro, with Director Emma Phillips
How Harrolds’ recent campaign shoot took place on the dreamy backdrop of a Red Hill mainstay.
5 Minute Read
Ever found yourself in the throes of a post-holiday comedown? Or even feeling melancholic after a blissful weekend away? After an interrupted and at times jarring summer of cancelled plans Harrolds’ creative department had one clear vision: make ‘holiday’ an eternal, seasonless, always-achievable state of mind (and state of dress). In a new-season campaign shoot grounded in aspiration and vacation, we produced whimsical scenes of “an everlasting holiday”.
In an ode to the hazy, escapist fantasies we have found ourselves in during our working lives and mundanities of the everyday, this campaign shoot revolves around notions of curiosity, pining and imagining for a ‘dreamstate’. Polperro Farmhouse property in Red Hill on the Mornington Peninsula, perfectly encapsulates this wistful sentiment of longing and is accurately reflected in the romantic content captured throughout the campaign.
An ode to the hazy, escapist fantasies we have found ourselves in
Polperro is a 25-acre winery nestled in the lush and utopic foodie destination that is Red Hill. But in addition to making award-winning pinot noir (the winery’s specialty drop), Polperro is an idyllic home-away-from-home with its luxury villas open for weekend getaways or longer hiatuses. Here, we catch up with Polperro’s Director Emma Phillips to extricate the beauty of the winery and its boutique accommodation offering, as well as recounting the recent shoot collaboration between Harrolds and Polperro — two local mainstays in luxury and style.
What does your role as Director of Polperro entail?
Every day is different, in my mind our team is at the centre of everything we do, and is where I focus the majority of my time. Obviously supported by the realities of operationally running a business, some days its head first in spreadsheets, others creating campaigns with the marketing team, weekends often I’m on the floor meeting guests.
In Harrolds’ recent campaign shoot, we captured the feeling of ‘an everlasting holiday’ on-site at Polperro. How do you feel Harrolds and Polperro are in alignment?
This is a true alignment of like-minded luxury brands, complimenting each other and highlighting our elevated vision and appreciation for beauty, authenticity and curated experiences.
What excites you most about Polperro in 2022?
After the last couple of years, the most exciting thing about 2022 is reconnecting with our beautiful guests and visitors. We have missed business as usual and can’t wait to welcome everyone back to our various businesses.
We also have a lot of new exciting projects underway, new wine releases and the rebrand of our foundation Even Keel wine label. We’ve come through the hardest couple of years of our lives holding onto our phenomenal team, using the time to find operational excellence to really build the strongest foundation for the future of the business.
The business has never been delivering so closely to our ultimate dream, all of the elements across the business are now looking forward, the market really understanding who we are and what we are trying to build. The business has never felt more aligned to our vision and we are so excited to get a consistent run at this.
When were your farmhouses and villas established, and what was your vision for them?
Our vision is to create a luxurious and relaxed escape for our guests to immerse themselves in the stunning hinterland of Red Hill. Our accommodation offerings have been designed to complement our curated experiences across Red Hill, from our Winery, Vineyard Dining, Hut Yoga and Wellness through to our boutique Amelie & Frank’s.
How can guests best enjoy your wines and seasonal plates right now, while ushering summer out and welcoming autumn in?
What began as a wine brand has now evolved into a curated stable of dining, wine and luxury experiences. Our guests are immersed in Polperro’s consciously curated experiences centred around our wine, and focus on sustainability nurturing for our land, complemented by beautiful considered design at every turn. Each moment a delight, from our enviable vineyard views, Hecker Guthrie designed interiors through to our certified organic produce farm providing a true seed to plate experience in our dining offerings.
With a wine lovers’ wine list, Polperro Vineyard Dining articulates the intrinsic synergy between the land, vineyard, produce farm and kitchen.
What’s the dress-code like at Polperro — how would you pack for a staycay at the villas?
Casual Chic — beautifully relaxed, textural and your own sense of style. Although, we do recommend packing for the elements.
How does Polperro’s accommodation cater to both the warm and the cold? And how would a couple’s retreat differ in the summer to the cooler climes of winter?
Polperro farmhouse has a beautiful character both during summer and winter with the ability to enjoy our natural surrounds, no matter the season.
With the cooling summer breeze rolling off the surrounding bays, established trees to shade and undulating valleys, our summers are temperate, surrounded on three sides by beaches offering salty days all summer long. Reminiscent of the Mediterranean we are perfectly situated at the heart of the Mornington Peninsula, whether you are looking for adventure or a relaxing retreat, everything is a stone’s throw away.
Winter is a cosy affair with indoor and outdoor fires, the perfect time to snuggle up with a Polperro Pinot and while away the day. For the adventurous we are lucky enough to be surrounded by stunning walking tracks leading you from the hinterland to the rugged coastal fringes. On your way back to the farmhouse, make sure to pop in to the many farm gates or our own cellar door for an intimate wine tasting.
