Need advise on Planned Visit to Oz

[tazdog]

Next March two wine loving couples will be visiting Australia and need good advise on wine country tours. We will arive in Sydney March 18th and will be leaving Aus Apr 4th. We plan a 4-5 day stay in Adelaide primarily for winery visits. Several Questions:

1. Is the Hunter Valley worth a visit whilwe we are in Sydney??? And if so what are the must see wineries?

2. While in Adelaide we are interested in hiring a car and driver for a 4-5 day period. We are looking for a company who really knows the wineries and where to visit. Would like a recommendation for companies that are reputable, knowledgable and affordable.

3. While in Adeliade what wine regions and wineries are the must see areas? Barossa, Coonawarra, McLaren Vale?

Appreciate any advise and contact info.

[Grant Dodd]

Hi,

The Hunter Valley is about 2 hours drive from Sydney. If you are a wine purist,you may not find a lot to excite you here but I always enjoy the area. Semillon is the signature grape of the region,and you'll find the odd good shiraz in an earthy style.
Best wineries are Lakes Folly, Tower Estate, Brokenwood,Tyrrels. Also try Keith Tulloch and Margan.
Worth a day and a night, try the luxury of Tower Lodge for accom and walk to dinner at Roberts,best restaurant of the region.


In S.A. , you'll fill in 5 days easily around Adelaide. Coonawarra is approx 4 hours drive from the city. McLaren vale 30 mins,Adelaide Hills 45 minutes,Barossa 1 hour.

Most days you'll be pushing it to get in more than 8-10 wineries in. McLaren Vale has over 40 cellar doors,the Barossa more,so you will need to be a bit selective. You also want to get into some good food,and that takes time too.

My picks would be the following

MCLAREN VALE

Kays
d' Arenberg
Fox Creek
Coriole
Wirra Wirra
Koltz
Kangarilla Rd

There's plenty of talent here,I could go on forever actually. Dinner at the Victory Hotel is worthwhile,great cellar and good food.

ADELAIDE HILLS

Shaw and Smith
Petaluma
Nepenthe
Ashton Hills ( Need appointment)

Lunch at Bridgewater Mill is a must.


BAROSSA

Heaps to taste here, a fewwould be,

Rockford
Charles Melton
Torbreck
Peter Lehmann
Kalleske(need appointment)
Rick Burge
Greenock Creek (Need appointment)
Seppelt
Turkey Flat
Henschke

Food wise, Bar Vinum and Restaurant 1918 are good.


You'll have no problem filling in your time,have fun

Cheers

[Gianna]

Whilst in Adelaide you should try the following two restaurants after your winery tours.

The Magill Estate, renowned of-course for its amazing Penfolds cellar collection.

The Botanic Italian Restaurant, liscenced but I think are ok. with BYO,
I'm from Melbourne and have eaten at the best Italian restaurants and homes, and the Botanic is top quality and up there with the best as far as authenticity. - Ask for Robert the owner and let him order for you an off-the-menu degestation extravaganza. You will not be dissapointed. -

[Vickie]

Hi Don,

3. While in Adeliade what wine regions and wineries are the must see areas? Barossa, Coonawarra, McLaren Vale?

Appreciate any advise and contact info.

I'd recommend reading Ric's (TORB) Tour Diaries.

http://www.torbwine.com/

Cheers,
Vickie

[Guest]

For touring anywhere in the South Australian wine areas I can thoroughly recommend contacting the highly knowledgable and well connected Steve Norman aka 707. He is an avid wine consumer and tourer himself.

We were fortunate to come across him when we visited Australia and he showed us around for several days late last year. He took us to many wineries that were little known outside of South Australia but absolute gems wine wise.

I'm sure he won't mind me giving out his e-mail, stevenorman@bigpond.com

Enjoy your trip, the South Australian wine areas were fabulous.

Greg & Pam