Mollydooker Swoon-worthy Love Wines

When we first reported Sparky Marquis was bringing his Mollydooker wines to Kapalua for an event, we thought it sounded like fun. A cute name, clever alliterations, winsome illustrations, invitation to blend our own wine – what’s not to like? After attending the tasting, strictly for the fun of it, our eyes were opened to the true purpose of Sparky’s world tour; not only are they fun-loving people, Mollydooker makes awesome wines and wants the world to know!

Sparky Marquis is as entertaining and jovial as his name. He obviously inherited the gift of raconteur from his mum, who teamed up with her son to win over the crowd gathered at the Plantation House Restaurant – even before they told us about Sip It Forward (see the video). The evening started with a brief history of the winery, operated by Sarah, Sparky and clan– half of whom happen to be left-handed– hence the name Mollydooker, which is Aussie for Southpaw.

Creativity and precision are hallmarks of left-handedness so it’s no surprise the winemakers have won coveted awards for their blends as well as graphic design. Pick up a bottle and note the label on the back – clever for both the tear off tab you can pop in your purse to remind you of the vintage you loved so much, and also for the fact it’s pasted on sideways, assuring you’ll cradle the bottle in both hands to read it. Sparky says studies show that consumers who hold the bottle with both hands are 50% likely to purchase the wine. (WCM suggests after you taste Mollydooker you are 90% likely to buy it again.)

Mum Mollydooger Introduces DoggyDooger

Don’t be fooled by the down home manner of the left-handed folks from down under! They know what they are doing every step of the way, whether assessing the readiness of the grape or working during off-harvest months to promote and build relationships which have resulted in the relatively new winery soaring to the top of the charts in a mere three years. Lest you think it a mere fluke or overnight success, Sarah and Sparky have been partners in winemaking for 20 years, having brought a number of other vineyards to the forefront before embarking on their own personal label.

Guests at the sold-out wine-tasting event were given three different wines and were asked to mix them in whatever manner they chose. Each table selected their favorite among them and the results were tabulated. Point made – after comparing the winning mixtures around the room, there was no real rhyme or reason as to why some emerged on top, they were so different! Sparky explained it’s because all are so good! He also suggested next time you have a little of this and little of that left in the bottle, don’t be afraid to pour ‘em all together and see what happens.

After explaining Mollydooker’s dedication to giving back via the Sip It Forward wine sales program which helps children via the Transform Cambodia Program to lead a more wholesome life, we were treated to the crème de la crème of the vineyard. Four noble “Love” wines, each ranked over 95 by Wine Advocate, sent the room into a veritable love fest Mollydooker style. By the time Mum Mollydooker took the floor, inviting each and every one of us to visit the vineyard and family home in Australia, we were ready to pack our bags and fly to Adelaide!

Chef Took a Backseat to Winemakers

Not to be outdone, Chef Alex Stanislaw also presented a Mediterranean inspired feast fit for the wines. Roast lamb, grilled veggies, hummus and pita, seafood salad, all did their best to compete for our attention. Everything was delicious, but there was no doubt, the stars of the show were the wines and winemakers who dazzled us with their presence and presentation. In gratitude, and so he wouldn’t feel badly having being upstaged, Sparky presented Chef Alex, his friend, with a case of Mollydooker. I’ve never seen a chef so thrilled or a happier roomful of wine tasters!

Chef Alex Nabs Just Reward for Planning Event