May 26, 2014
The South Burnett will soon be missing a couple of very familiar faces with the departure of Captains Paddock Vineyard owners Maryanne Pidcock and Pete Eaton.
Maryanne, who is also on the South Burnett Directions advisory committee, has taken up a position as vice-principal living on campus at Sancta Sophia College at the University of Sydney.
She starts work on June 23.
“Maryanne found out about the job the Tuesday before Easter. She literally got the application back to them the Tuesday after Easter,” Pete told southburnett.com.au today.
“It is the perfect job for her. It just ticked all the boxes.”
The couple has been at Captains Paddock for 12 years and Pete said the time was right to move on.
“I’m sad but it is time. It needs new blood. I would really love to see a young chef who had some entrepreneurial skills take it over,” Pete said.
“He or she would cane it.”
The combined cellardoor / restaurant, vineyard and B&B has been on the market for a while but a major marketing push has now been launched to sell it.
It is listed at Ray White Nanango for $950,000.
Pete will remain at Captains Paddock until the business is sold, which he hopes won’t be very long.
The couple announced the move in a circular email to friends and colleagues:
“As an alumna of the College and a firm believer in the value of education (especially for women), this is an extraordinary opportunity that is close to Maryanne’s heart and a great fit with many of her passions: we could not refuse …
“The move will offer us all professional and personal growth and allow us to be closer to family.
“When we reflect on out 12 years at Captains Paddock, we are so grateful for so many things: the friends we have made, the people we have met, the laughs we have had, and of course the wine we have grown and enjoyed.
“We have learnt an enormous amount, grown the business and feel it is time for someone else to make it their own. Hopefully we have made a positive difference to the region and the Queensland wine industry. The South Burnett will always hold a special place in our hearts and memories. Thank you for being a part of the adventure.”
PS. The famous Captains Paddock “wine dog” Merlot will also be making the move south.
