Melbourne Offline & Mornington Peninsula

[Waiters Friend]

Hello

I will be in Melbourne late June (around 22nd) for business (CBD location), and I am wondering if any Melbourne forumites might be interested in meeting up.

Theme, wine styles, etc, all open for discussion. We could even do a WA vs Vic challenge (specific regions) as we did in Adelaide last year - we went for a Riesling and Shiraz theme, with the WA wines being Great Southern. Anyway, all on the table.

Secondly, I will be heading for the Mornington Peninsula for at least a couple of days after the business is taken care of. Any suggestions?

There is, of course, the possibility of combining the offline and a Mornington visit, especially if a winemaker from there frequents the forum and wants to get involved.

Anyone interested?

Cheers

Allan

[Dave Dewhurst]

For Mornington, try Ten Minutes by Tractor, Main Ridge, Eldridge, Stoniers, Paringa. There is also an awesome pizza spot in Balnarring, best pizza I have had in Oz, although not hard to be fair!!

Cheers

Dave

[paulf]

I'll add Port Phillip Estate/Kooyong to the list. I haven't been there yet, but it looks like Yabby Lake has a cellar door these days as well.
Red Hill Brewery are producing some nice beers too if you need a palate cleanser.

[sparky]

I'm in - unless it's the weekend and there's been a big dump of snow at Lake Mountain

I like the idea of a WA/VIC theme. What have you got over there to stack up against T'Gallant Claudius??

[cuttlefish]

I'd be interested in an offline. I agree that Vic v WA would make an interesting theme.

[via collins]

Hi Allan,

Would be super to meet, hope it all comes off.

Agree with all wineries proposed, but don't miss Foxey's Hangout. Solid wines, superb cellar door experience.

100% affirmative to off-line.

cheers,

VC

[odyssey]

Lots of good ones above, I'm also a big fan of Red Hill Estate.

[Softie]

Allan,

I'd like to join in, too.

John

[sparky]

I've been in touch with Kev McCarthy from T'Gallant and he's interested in joining us if he can make it, so any non Pinot G drinkers should prepare themselves now..

[Softie]

My place at Southbank is available for the evening, if that suits.

John

[Waiters Friend]

Well, it sounds like at least a few of us will catch up - thanks for the enthusiasm. I'm looking forward to meeting you and putting faces to avatars

My original post left the date open a little, as well as the location. My actual business is on Thursday and Friday 28/29 June, and I am planning on staying a few days after that. The days from 29th June through to July 1 are likely opportunities.

Location? My business meeting is in Melbourne (CBD), and I will then be catching up with friends on Mornington Peninsula, I floated earlier the idea of marrying the offline with the Mornington, if enough people are interested. A long lunch on the weekend might suit some people better (perhaps even Mr McCarthy from T'Gallant, Sparky) than a dinner (or lead into one ). However, I am open to a Melbourne city offline as well.

The theme is possibly of most interest. I suspect a WA vs Vic Pinot Grigio tasting would dent the pride of my home state, so I won't even bother. Great Southern vs Great Western Shiraz and Riesling might be interesting (but possibly too specialised), as might be Margaret River vs Mornington Chardonnay (I am a fan of both). So - let's open up the suggestions for themes.

Cheers

Allan

[Softie]

Margaret River v Mornington Chardonnay gets my vote.
City offline could be my place. Someone want to suggest venues if it's to be Mornington?

[Waiters Friend]

Thanks John. Does this mean that you are offering to cook as well, or do we order in catering to fit a theme? Or by chance are you operating a restaurant?

Let's also canvas other opinions, as well as establish:

A date: Friday night June 29 in Melbourne or after that possibly Mornington?

Preferred location: Melbourne or Mornington? (or both - two offlines)

Time: Afternoon (if Mornington only) or evening?

Wine theme? WA vs Vic seems popular so far. Shiraz, chardonnay, anything else? I will bring a few bottles to represent WA, of course.

Let's get the ball rolling. I'd be delighted to meet Kev McCarthy if he's in, as well as all of you who have posted so far.

Cheers

Allan

[dave vino]

Having the pleasure of attending a dinner party at John's place you are in for a fantastic evening.

[Softie]

Allan and friends,

Yes very happy to host on that 29th June. Depending on numbers we'll cook or get catering and subsidise to the cost down to (say) $25 a head.

Say 6:30 for 7pm. My place is in Kavanagh Street, Southbank. Amble parking nearby (if you have a designated driver?).

Please RSVP by topic reply and PM to me and I'll send my exact address and any other necessary details.

Cheers,

John

[sparky]

That's sounding all very good and it's in the brief moment between Grand Tours so I may not even bore everyone stupid talking about cycling. Possibly.

I'd vote for East vs West Chardonnay and perhaps also Cabernets or Bordeaux blends? (to give our WA friends a fighting chance? )

[via collins]

Dear all,

I like the way this is building.

- Good themes.

- Meeting forum favourites.

- Another night at John's.

Count me very much in.

Cheers,

VC

[newworld]

You could add a few wine tastings while you're here. They are basically cellar doors moving to an urban location for a few hours.

There are tastings at Winebins on Fridays (5-8pm IIRC, tram 72) and Prince's Wine Store - Saturdays 12-2pm (tram 1 or 112) S.Melbourne, 1-3pm Essendon (tram 59.) You often get to meet the winemakers which can be very interesting. They are often local wineries which would be an eye opener for out of towners. And the hosts, especially Winebins, are very friendly and welcoming.

[sparky]

newworld, it is fairly poor form to promote other retailers on Gavin's hospitality

If you're not sure what I'm talking about I suggest you research this site a little more thoroughly.

[newworld]

I was expecting that kind of comment from some miserable old fart.

Auswine do not even have a shop never mind tasting sessions.

Why do you think I compared cellar doors with these tastings. Why are cellar doors OK but virtual cellar doors are a problem?

If some small shops monopolise the forums in Oz and there are no neutral venues, where are we supposed to talk about their rivals. Not that I did that.

'Poor form.' What a joke.

[Waiters Friend]

That's sounding all very good and it's in the brief moment between Grand Tours so I may not even bore everyone stupid talking about cycling. Possibly.

I'd vote for East vs West Chardonnay and perhaps also Cabernets or Bordeaux blends? (to give our WA friends a fighting chance? )

Interesting, Moira, and I look forward to having this conversation in person on June 29. I know something about Victorian Shiraz, but little about Victorian Cabernets or blends, except Yarra Valley (Yeringberg, etc). If you want Cabernet / blends, then I think WA will win hands down......

.... although as possibly the sole WA rep on the night, I might be outvoted

John, it seems like your gracious offer is accepted, and if you wish to bring in catering, I'm sure those attending would be prepared to pay 'full cop' rather than subsidised. Your generosity in offering the venue is more than sufficient.

Now to plan the following days. It looks like I will be heading down to Mornington late Saturday and then hitting cellar doors Sunday and Monday. Anyone care to join me for lunch? Moira, is that a good time to catch up with Kev McCarthy (if he isn't there Friday night)? Or any other winemakers? All suggestions welcome, and if anyone wants to join in at any time, just shout.

Cheers

Allan

[via collins]

Hmmm....

You've been around these boards several times NW, it's be kind of hard not to miss the comments when anyone mentions retail outlets gratuitously. Sure, there are no rules, but there is a protocol that people round these parts tend to adhere to out of politeness. I kinda like that.

Perhaps you weren't spruiking for anyone in your post, but I fully appreciate and support Moira's comment.

FWIW.

[BlaCkAdDa]

So where you all at with regards to a catch up in the CBD?

As for Mornington wineries, my 2 suggestions would be Paringa Estate so you can try all their lovely Pinots (all are usually on tasting may be a small fee) and Foxeys Hangout for a smaller winery that does some fantastic work.

[odyssey]

newworld the site is managed, hosted, owned by a retailer, and we are his guests. Most people have the common decency to respect the fact we are guests of a retailer and thereby withhold encouraging activities at other retailers.

Secondly, on top of insulting a regular community member and respected contributor you have openly insulted the only person on the forum, and one of the very few people in Australia, with the authority to replace a dud bottle of Grange, 707, St Henri, RWT or the like. Good luck with that in future.

[Waiters Friend]

Hello

Just a reminder - I suggest you PM John (Softie) with your RSVPs for Friday 29th June, given that he has generously opened his home for the occasion.

Cheers

Allan

[Softie]

Yes all, don't forget the 29th. At this stage we have a sit down dinner for six, so room for more. Delighted to be hosting again and especially delighted that Waiters Friend (Allan) is visiting civilised society and will be our guest of honour.

We are not going to get formal about this for such an intimate group. However, for the record, it's Margaret River versus Mornington Peninsula; Cav Sav blends and Chardonnay. Don't assume MR will win the CS contest ... there's more Victorians voting - ethics being over rated as a characteristic of civilised societies.

Everyone who RSVP'ed should have my address now. For such a short guest list I'll rely of memory. (Only half a glass of 08 Grampians Estate Garden Gully Shiraz so far tonight.) I have noted Tom Cuttlefish, Moira Sparky, John+Sherry, Allan, and Simon Via Collins. Let's say 6:30pm for 7pm start on the night. Have I missed anyone?

Warm regards,

John

John

[dave vino]

I'm trying to think of a Cab based wine from the MP of note and I'm not getting anything....

[odyssey]

Not exactly of note but I understand the Red Hill Briars is grown slightly north downhill where it is a couple of degrees warmer (too cold up the top) - the only one I know of (as a dirty-rotten out-of-towner ) but it is a good solid wine (not literally ). Not a common wine though, if they even still make it.

[via collins]

Must admit, now that Dave Vino frames the point, I really struggle to thin of cab-based MP wines.

Like most, I can think of MR blends and turn up half a dozen in seconds, but can think of no MP versions at all.

Hope you've got a surprise for us John, seems like you might!

See you next week,

VC.

[mf]

Moorooduc Estate is the only Cabernet I can think of particularly enjoying (and actually buying) - they have grafted over that though - 2006 might have been the last version.

Willow Creek make a couple and I think Merricks Estate still make them (I think they normally sell them as older vintages). Also think Tuck's Ridge make one (think it is Mornington fruit).

Apart from that can just think of Elgee Park (who I think have the same winemaker as Willow Creek) making a Cabernet Merlot (have never tasted one of them though).