So When & Where is your next wine trip??

[Craig(NZ)]

Waiheke Island - 5 days

why 5 days?? id be bored stupid after half a day over there

[DaveB]

Waiheke Island - 5 days

why 5 days?? id be bored stupid after half a day over there

Going to the wedding of a kiwi mate that works at a winery here in the Barossa at mudbrick restaurant?...beach BBQ/cricket recovery session the day after and a couple of days chilling out with friends in a big arse house we are renting on the beach......don't worry.... we are shipping a heap of French wine over to see us through

Won't be spending any time in Punta del Jafa....avoiding that like the plague

[Craig(NZ)]

Going to the wedding of a kiwi mate that works at a winery here in the Barossa at mudbrick restaurant?...beach BBQ/cricket recovery session the day after and a couple of days chilling out with friends in a big arse house we are renting on the beach......don't worry.... we are shipping a heap of French wine over to see us through

sounds good. all set up.

Won't be spending any time in Punta del Jafa....avoiding that like the plague

dont blame ya. its only a place for nzers to earn an income. apart from that it sux most of the time.

[DaveB]

Going to the wedding of a kiwi mate that works at a winery here in the Barossa at mudbrick restaurant?...beach BBQ/cricket recovery session the day after and a couple of days chilling out with friends in a big arse house we are renting on the beach......don't worry.... we are shipping a heap of French wine over to see us through

sounds good. all set up.

Won't be spending any time in Punta del Jafa....avoiding that like the plague

dont blame ya. its only a place for nzers to earn an income. apart from that it sux most of the time.

Any recco's for wineries to visit...so far we are looking at Stonyridge, Passage Rock, Kennedy Point any other standouts?

[Craig(NZ)]

Any recco's for wineries to visit...so far we are looking at Stonyridge, Passage Rock, Kennedy Point any other standouts?

I used to go to Stonyridge, buy a big glass of Larose and be done with it! Im not even sure if you can buy the stuff by the glass there anymore and its definitely not worth buying it by the bottle as its half the price in some places on the mainland (or buy it at the airport on your way out).The rest of their stuff is very pricey and rides on the coat tales of larose

Passage Rock is worth visiting for the Reserve Syrah and pizza. Also Cable Bay has a good reputation (though I havent made it yet - its quite new). Te Whau is also enjoyed by many although there wines seem to underwelm me (but many rate highly). Their restaurant is very famous as is the extensive wine list and views. Goldwater just never seems open.....strange bunch

I think you have the right approach. If you got to Waiheke just for the wine you are setting yourself up for a fall. If you go there for a full experience; gallaries, wine, beaches, scenery (weddings and a nice big house on the beach) you will have a good time. Just hope you get good weather as wet weather options are few

Onto another line; 2 days in Hawkes Bay just isnt enough - be warned!!

[DaveB]

Any recco's for wineries to visit...so far we are looking at Stonyridge, Passage Rock, Kennedy Point any other standouts?

I used to go to Stonyridge, buy a big glass of Larose and be done with it! Im not even sure if you can buy the stuff by the glass there anymore and its definitely not worth buying it by the bottle as its half the price in some places on the mainland (or buy it at the airport on your way out).The rest of their stuff is very pricey and rides on the coat tales of larose

Passage Rock is worth visiting for the Reserve Syrah and pizza. Also Cable Bay has a good reputation (though I havent made it yet - its quite new). Te Whau is also enjoyed by many although there wines seem to underwelm me (but many rate highly). Their restaurant is very famous as is the extensive wine list and views. Goldwater just never seems open.....strange bunch

I think you have the right approach. If you got to Waiheke just for the wine you are setting yourself up for a fall. If you go there for a full experience; gallaries, wine, beaches, scenery (weddings and a nice big house on the beach) you will have a good time. Just hope you get good weather as wet weather options are few

Onto another line; 2 days in Hawkes Bay just isnt enough - be warned!!

Thanks for that Craig....

I might try and stay an extra day in Hawkes Bay if I can....Rod from Craggy Range came and visited us here and offered me a bed when I visit so I don't want to push my luck

Looking at visiting Craggy Range, Bilancia, Bridge Pa, CJ Pask, Esk Valley, Sacred Hill, Te Mata, Trinity Hill and that will be about it I reckon.

[Craig(NZ)]

Looking at visiting Craggy Range, Bilancia, Bridge Pa, CJ Pask, Esk Valley, Sacred Hill, Te Mata, Trinity Hill and that will be about it I reckon.

Both Sacred Hill and Bilancia you will need an appointment. They do not have public cellar doors. Also recommend Unison and Stonecroft which are both within stones throw of Trinity Hill, (between Trinity Hill and CJ Pask). Stonecroft is only open weekends

[malliemcg]

September/October back in Adelaide for a cousins wedding - making a trip of it and hopefully being able to visit Coonawarra, Barossa, McLaren Vale and Coonawarra for a day or two each - will have to see how we go. Gotta set a firm budget, could be dangerous...

[KMP]

Looking at visiting Craggy Range, Bilancia, Bridge Pa, CJ Pask, Esk Valley, Sacred Hill, Te Mata, Trinity Hill and that will be about it I reckon.

Both Sacred Hill and Bilancia you will need an appointment. They do not have public cellar doors. Also recommend Unison and Stonecroft which are both within stones throw of Trinity Hill, (between Trinity Hill and CJ Pask). Stonecroft is only open weekends

Agree with adding in Unison and Stonecroft. Even if you only look at the Syrah you are in for a very broad spectrum of styles in Hawkes Bay. Waiheke is a real tourist trap, unless you really like the beach. Definitely add an extra day at Hawkes Bay.

Mike

[Davo]

Off to the local wine shop for a tasting on Sat the 12st.

Visits to wine regions probably won't be until late in the year, unless a few friends show interest in a weekend in Napa/Sonoma/Russian River. The end of the year will be Australia but not sure where yet.

Mike

How about coordinating time and place so we can get together and have a glass or several.

Its a possibility. Miranda has been grumbling about taking all of the usual 3 weeks vacation especially when I mentioned Tassie! But she does want to return to WA - some place in the south to see something like a redwood forest, or something. As long as its close to wine country. Its really all going to depend on how the economy hurts her business. Let's keep this in mind and see if we can firm something up as the year progresses.

Mike

There is a very nice karri and tingle forrest with a pretty good tree top walk at Walpole just near the Great Southern wine region. Then it is only a quick drive to Margaret River.

[Softie]

I'm off for my first trip to Margaret River early April, 6 days.

[ross67]

Some light comments on our recent SA trip: 05.06 - 08.06.09

Penfolds Maggil Estate: 50min tour is good and worth the dollars -informative and better with a small group. Grounds are very well kept and iconic. Our CD tastings ranged from 128 bin series up to 389. Koonunga '1976'. Also tasted the 10yo Bluestone tawny and Grandfather ports. Good value for $15

McLaren Vale: Here two yrs ago and it seems to have lifted a gear in general aesthetic appeal...some upmarket studio accommodation has found its way into the main street and some better quality retail shops are more evident.

Russell's Pizza -Willunga: Please make an effort to go to this place on a cold Winter's night. It is a very unique place with outstanding food. 'Laid back' could best describe the groove happening here. Great value too

Victory Hotel: -Sellick's Beach Excellent in every way. Food/service/Doug the owner is very accomodating /cellar is magnificent/beautiful views as well.

Try some of his 'Rudderless' label wines. 05 Grenache fantastic for $35
Salopian Inn:- McLaren Vale Mostly good food not great /prices reasonable. $20/btl corkage. Take a btl as cellar is dreadful

Cellar Doors:

Coriole:
Not crowded amazingly. Young friendly staff /whole range available except Lloyd Reserve. Wicked olives and Woodside soft cheeses. No charge
d'Arenberg:
Very friendly staff/ whole range available even Dead Arm. No charge
Chapel Hill:
Crowded from buses/have added an historical add on to their cd
Samuel's Gorge:
Freezing cold cd/immaculate grounds with lovely view/ only 3 choice of wines in range -solid with out being very good

Adelaide Hills:

Shaw & Smith:
Impressive design layout architecture/very professional hosts with a$14 charge to sample a flight of 5 wines plus cheeses/crackers etc.
A+ for everything except the wines

Barossa

Torbrek:
Impressive young friendly staff. $5 to taste whole range and i mean the complete range inc Runrig. A cd wine called The Gask -100% shiraz was my pick...magnificent for around $75
Two Hands
Mega professional outfit/great range/$5 to taste a selection of range..No Ares etc
Grant Burge:
Big establishment/more mature staff/full range available inc Meshach /no charge
Elderton:
Wines were moderate/ the current 'Command' wasn't great for $80 /no charge

Finally the Novatel at Barossa Valley is a lovely place to stay/very picturesque/clean. Had an Eden Valley producer offering free tastings for an hour. Don't order 'healthy choice' room service food you will regret it.


ross