Weekends with Matt

The "peacock's tail" is used to describe a wine that is wonderfully complex and ultimately rewarding. Surely there's no better metaphor for life.

Weekends with Matt is a classic odd-couple tale of two very different men and the common ground that can be found over a shared passion.

It was at the bottle shop, somewhere between the chardonnay and the zinfandel, that Peter realised he didn't have a clue about wine. On his way to a dinner party and in a mild panic, he called Matt, a wine-loving acquaintance who expertly steered him towards the perfect bottle. The selection was a hit, but it was Matt's passion that stuck in Peter's mind. He decided to visit Matt's vineyard for an introduction to the noble grape. One visit led to another and this unlikely pairing of a Proust-quoting intellectual and a farmer with a love of hunting found themselves bonding over life, ideas, vulnerability, aspiration, nature, philosophy and, of course, a glass or three of wine.

Like a tipsy Tuesdays with Morrie, this well-crafted tale is as much a guide to life as the mysteries of wine. With thought-provoking notes and philosophical undertones, this is a delightful story that readers will love to sip and savour.

About the Authors

Peter Coleman has a Ph.D in cultural studies from Monash University, where he tutored in Eastern religion and philosophy. After leaving University, he began a career in the not-for-profit sector where he now works as consultant. Peter is also an Authorised Marriage Celebrant and occasional tarot card reader. He lives in Melbourne with his husband Mike and an ever-expanding book collection.

Matt Fowles is the co-owner and CEO of Fowles Wine and the man behind the ‘Ladies who Shoot their Lunch’ wine – the world’s first wine blended to complement wild game meat. Matt’s wines have received international recognition, including the Trophy for Australia’s Best Shiraz from the Great Australian Shiraz Challenge and a listing on the Wine Spectator’s ‘Top 100 Wines of 2020’. He currently sits on the Board of Wine Victoria. Matt lives in the Strathbogie Ranges with his wife Lu, their three daughters, a dog, a horse, five chickens and a bunch of sheep.