Trip to Oz...suggestions?

[Joe Cz]

If all goes according to plan, I'll be in Australia from Nov 20-Dec 3. Most of my time will be taken up by business (MW education seminar from 21/11-25/11, then visits to Clare, Adelaide Hills, Coonawarra, Langhorne Creek). The last few days will be in Sydney/Hunter vicinity.

As my itinerary firms up, I'll have a better idea whether I'll have time to do an offline or two, but in the meantime, I'm open to suggestions for "shouldn't miss" travel/tourism bits in those areas, with a focus on food and wine.

Hope you can help,

Joe

PS--NZers, I should also make it to your fine country for PN 2010 and the associated seminars. Will check in with you again before then.

[Softie]

Joe,

There are many fine food places in Sydney. Check this site for http://www.eatability.com.au/au/sydney/ for search on various criteria.

Personally, I'd always recommend to a visitor a meal and bottle of good wine near the Sydney Opera House/Circular Quay area. Prices tend to be upper bracket, but the views of OH and Sydney Harbour Bridge stamp this option as a classic Sydney experience. Aria is one upper price option (good but expensive wine list) in that locality. Plenty of cheaper eating options too.

Best wishes for a good break. What's your field? I didn't immediately process the subject area referred to.

John

[monghead]

Yes, I think Aria is great. So is Guillaume.

Without a view, though fantastic food and wine are Est and Rockpool Bar and Grill. Tetsuya's is also a treat always.

There are a tremendous plethora more though, and our fine-dining prices are a steal compared to the rest of the world!

I'm currently looking at about 200-350 Euro per person for a meal in the three starred restaurants in Paris, and that's just for the food! Yes, that's about AUD1000 per couple . "Anyways, when in Rome..."

Cheers,

Monghead.

[monghead]

Oh, and in the Hunter,

FORGET about the Rock Restaurant/Firestick Cafe thing. The service is appalling. The wine list rubbish. The food, over-rated and a real miss.

The place you want to be at is Bistro Molines. Simply superb...

Cheers,

Monghead.

[Joe Cz]

John,

Thanks for the link. Sorry if I wasn't clear. I'm a wine journo, so many of the actual winery visits are predicated on what's available here in the U.S., but I still have time to make requests and shape my itinerary. The biggest problem is the limited time I'll have in each region.

Monghead,

Rockpool is a given, as I have time set aside to inteview Neil Perry there. Thanks for the other suggestions; colleague of mine ate at Tetsuya's a few years back and raved about it, but I may be spending more time in the Hunter and less in the city itself. Bistro Molines...here I come.

Joe

[TiggerK]

Hi Joe,

you may have some contacts, but if you want a reservation at Tetsuyas, they are currently booked up about 6-9months in advance... Worth it though.

Guillaume great too as is a cocktail up high at Summit bar.

And monghead, I highly recommend Taillevent in Paris, incredible. We did lunch and it was reasonable for a 3 star and every bite a taste sensation.

Cheers
TiggerK

P.S Give my regards to Neil, I'm a big fan.

[monghead]

Taillevent and Guy Savoy booked. Looking forward to it...

[dave vino]

John,

but I may be spending more time in the Hunter and less in the city itself. Bistro Molines...here I come.

Joe

Well if you need a lift up from the city to the Hunter (1.45mins) I'll take you. I'm always looking for an excuse to go up there.

[TiggerK]

Taillevent and Guy Savoy booked. Looking forward to it...

Tres Bien! C'etait incroyable!

[ChrisV]

Adelaide Hills I know quite well. The two unmissable wineries are Shaw And Smith and Petaluma. Shaw and Smith is in a beautiful setting with a nice view, there is a charge for the tasting but you get some cheese and so forth and the wines are excellent. Petaluma is also a nice environment and excellent wines, and you could consider having lunch at the very well regarded Bridgewater Mill restaurant. Other wineries I would recommend include Ashton Hills (the tasting room is a tin shed, but the wines are good) and Barratt (a lesser known, family run winery who turn out a very good pinot among other things). I hear good reports of Leabrook Estate but have not been there myself. Chain of Ponds and Longview might be worth a visit also.

More info: http://www.adelaidehillswine.com.au/dow ... uide09.pdf

[Joe Cz]

ChrisV,

Thanks for the Adelaide Hills suggestions. S&S, Petaluma, Longview are already on my list. Haven't seen the Chain of Ponds wines for a while here. I'll have to check and see if they're still coming here.

Keep 'em coming, guys.

Joe

[SueNZ]

PS--NZers, I should also make it to your fine country for PN 2010 and the associated seminars. Will check in with you again before then.

HI Joe, I am unlikely to be at those events, but if you can find time to stop over in Auckland there are a few of us here that will join you for an offline, and I'll even clean my yellow MG for you (yeah, the green one has gone). Just make sure you can get away from that rigid, every-minute-packed itinerary for a day at least.
Cheers,
Sue

[Joe Cz]

that rigid, every-minute-packed itinerary

Oh, you've seen it?

Just got a first draft today--I'll see if I can at least find a free evening.

Joe

[SueNZ]

that rigid, every-minute-packed itinerary

Oh, you've seen it?

Just got a first draft today--I'll see if I can at least find a free evening.

Joe

No I haven't seen it, but I remember last time (sigh!). Perhaps you could stay an extra day? Depends where you are flying out of, of course. Is Auckland included at all on the itinerary, apart from transfers at the airport?

[Loztralia]

Have you considered/got time for a visit to the Canberra region? One could make a defensible case that Clonakilla are making some of the best wines in Australia at the moment. I'd certainly argue that they are one of the least internationally well-known makers of great wine in Australia.

[fatdoi]

Joe,

Last time @ Clare, the pub @ main road in Sevenhill was really good.... they have a underground cellar where you can pick your bottle. Also lunch @ Skillogalee really nice as well....

Sydney, can also consider Quay, they won restaurant of the year 2 years in a row..... view's fantastic as well..... but for my money, I'll pick 4 places in town.... Bilson's, Marque, Universal & Rockpool B&G (wine lists by themselves will drive you nuts).....

william

[n4sir]

If all goes according to plan, I'll be in Australia from Nov 20-Dec 3. Most of my time will be taken up by business (MW education seminar from 21/11-25/11, then visits to Clare, Adelaide Hills, Coonawarra, Langhorne Creek). The last few days will be in Sydney/Hunter vicinity.

As my itinerary firms up, I'll have a better idea whether I'll have time to do an offline or two, but in the meantime, I'm open to suggestions for "shouldn't miss" travel/tourism bits in those areas, with a focus on food and wine.

Hope you can help,

Joe

After the last offline we're talking about getting together one more time before the end of the year, and late November fits right in. If you want to come along let us know what night will suit you, and I'll try and arrange something around it.

Cheers,
Ian

[rooman]

Joe

As you will probably be aware, Australia is going through a period where it is seeking to re-educate overseas markets as to the diverse potential of Australian wine. Recent efforts on this front have been spearheaded by the Landmark Tutorials. http://www.landmark-wineaustralia.com/ These tutorials have sought to emphasis the regional diversity of Australian wines.

Probably one of the best books on Australian wine written in recent years and one that is well worth reading as background reading before hitting these shores was written by Campbell Mathison, entitled Why the French Hate Us. Whilst not perfect (even by Campbell's own admission) it gives a fantastic insight into the leading artisanal wineries in this great country. Pick of the bunch: Castagna, Bindi, Main Ridge, Leewin

http://www.amazon.com/Why-the-French-Ha ... 221&sr=1-2

As for the Hunter, the three must visit wineries are Tyrells, Brokenwood and Lakes Folly, each for slightly different regions. Tyrells is the granddaddy of wineries with the oldest pedigree. They make the preeminent version of Hunter Valley Semillon which many regard as one of Australia's truly unique wines, namely the Vat 1. This is a white that really does not begin to enter its drinking window until 10 years have come and gone. Brokenwood on the other hand make what I regard as one of the best shiraz in the country. Nothing like the fruit bombs you see on the shelves in the US, this wine is savory with an amazing depth and concentration of flavour. Do what you can to try and get your hands on an older vintage such as the 2000 or 1998 to see what this wine can really achieve. Finally Lakes Folly is unique in so far as it is the only label to make a decent bordeaux blend in the Hunter. Again with time these wines have an amazing depth of flavour. Overall, you will find the Hunter shiraz much more savory/leathery in style compared to other regions in the country. The same goes for the local chardonnay. Also worth tracking down at the Boutique Wine Centre, any of the Meera Park wine, particularly the Alexander Munro and the Thomas Kiss shiraz.

Given you are from NY, you may find this discussion on a US forum interesting. http://www.wineloverspage.com/forum/vil ... =3&t=26384

Lastly do whatever you can to track down some Clonakilla, again preferably an older vintage from 2001 onwards. In my opinion it is the best red make in Australia at the present time.

Enjoy the trip and my pick for the Superbowl, Drew Brees and the Saints after they dismantled Eli and the boys in blue.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sZP0ifrTcoM

Mark

[Joe Cz]

Ian,

I should have a better idea of my itinerary by the end of next week and will see what free evenings I have in Adelaide. I'm happy to be an excuse for an offline.

Mark,

I'm familiar with the Landmark Australia program. Unfortunately, they scheduled it for the same dates as the MW exam last year (and this year, too, I believe). There are so few writers involved in the MW program I guess they figured the conflict wouldn't affect more than a person or two. Wine Australia is generously supporting my trip, so I can't complain.

I'm just about done with Mattinson's Why the French Hate Us, although I found Wine Hunter a more compelling read. I'm lucky in that I've had the chance to try most of the top wines that make it to the U.S. over the past decade that I've been in the wine media.

From the Hunter, I haven't seen Lakes Folly in the U.S. recently, but I remember being impressed a few years ago. I've had a vertical of the Tyrrell's Vat 1 back about 15-20 years, but not much else in the way of older Semillon. I do have a bottle of the 2001 Brokenwood Semillon I've been saving. Any idea on how it's drinking right now? I've yet to truly appreciate their Graveyard Shiraz, maybe because I've only tried one or two young vintages. The price/scarcity here prevents much experimentation.

By contrast, I find young vintages of Clonakilla very easy to like.

The Saints look good now, but what really matters is who is healthy and playing well at the end of the year. Still, you may be on to something with that pick.

Thanks for all the comments.

[n4sir]

Enjoy the trip and my pick for the Superbowl, Drew Brees and the Saints after they dismantled Eli and the boys in blue.
Mark

New Orleans looks pretty good, but I'm hoping my Dolphins put up a good fight against them this morning - the unpredictable wildcat formation is just the type of thing to test out just how good Gregg Williams aggressive defence is. The Saints scoring options though are downright scary with Brees putting up some Marino-like numbers the last couple of years, and our pass defence has been very suspect (Payton Manning torched us a few weeks ago with less than 15 minutes on the field for the whole game).

Cheers,
Ian

[rooman]

Ian

I am glad you enjoyed the Wine Hunter. I believe anyone who is interested in or passionate about Australian wine really should try to read both. As you are au fait with the top tier wines in the Hunter, any trip to the Valley really should include a visit to the Boutique Wine Centre. The have Meera Park which is the HV wine causing the most buzz among Aus wine collectors together with Chateau Pato and Mountain X, wine based on the original Maurice O'Shea blend. Also worth a visit on the next tier are De luliis, Thomas Wine (the Kiss) and Capercaillie (for their Semillons).

With respect to the Brokenwood, if you think it is expensive in the US, you should try buying it in Australia with our effective 40% tax on value added onto wine. In Australia it is well over $100. Thou I haven't tried the 01, it was not a great vintage. Personally I would try contacting the vineyard and see if they will open up their museum for you.

Enjoy your trip
Mark

[rooman]

Enjoy the trip and my pick for the Superbowl, Drew Brees and the Saints after they dismantled Eli and the boys in blue.
Mark

New Orleans looks pretty good, but I'm hoping my Dolphins put up a good fight against them this morning - the unpredictable wildcat formation is just the type of thing to test out just how good Gregg Williams aggressive defence is. The Saints scoring options though are downright scary with Brees putting up some Marino-like numbers the last couple of years, and our pass defence has been very suspect (Payton Manning torched us a few weeks ago with less than 15 minutes on the field for the whole game).

Cheers,
Ian

I saw the Colts game. Payton was amazing but I was cheering for the Dolphins if that helps. The game I am really looking forward to this week is the Cardinals v Giants. I called the Cardinals to go all the way last year and only just missed out in the last minute to the Steelers

[Joe Cz]

Mark & Ian,

Funny to read you guys talking about the NFL. Just watched the end of the Saints-Dolphins game after seeing my Buffalo Bills win another ugly game.

The Saints do look good.

I think suggested retail here for the Brokenwood Shiraz is $125.

Joe

[rooman]

Followed Saints/Dolphinos games online after earlier discussion. Looks like an awesome 2 half. Really upset it wasn't screened locally. Still I do have the Cardinals v Giants game to watch. I saw the Bills picked up a shy WR called Mr Owens Interesting trade.

PS Saw The Comeback Game live on TV in Summit County during the winter of '93. Now that was an exciting evening.

[n4sir]

If all goes according to plan, I'll be in Australia from Nov 20-Dec 3. Most of my time will be taken up by business (MW education seminar from 21/11-25/11, then visits to Clare, Adelaide Hills, Coonawarra, Langhorne Creek). The last few days will be in Sydney/Hunter vicinity.

I should have a better idea of my itinerary by the end of next week and will see what free evenings I have in Adelaide. I'm happy to be an excuse for an offline.

Any update on what days/nights you might have free in Adelaide for a possible offline Joe?

Cheers,
Ian

[PaulG]

Good point, Ian. Perhaps we can try and get into the Ale House this time (if we book far enough in advance!)

[n4sir]

Good point, Ian. Perhaps we can try and get into the Ale House this time (if we book far enough in advance!)

That's one of a number of ideas I'm kicking around at the moment, although it could be really dependent on what nights Joe is available - the end of November is awfully close to the Xmas silly season, so these places could book out fast.

Bartons at the Caledonian Hotel could be an option with their BYO-free Tuesday nights (while they completely screwed up my father's birthday lunch earlier this year, I'm keen to give them one shot at redemption before completely rubbishing them as a venue).

Sarah also mentioned on the weekend the idea of a fully catered afternoon picnic (like we have at AFWAC at the start of the year) which could be something different for a weekend offline.

Cheers,
Ian

[Joe Cz]

Any update on what days/nights you might have free in Adelaide for a possible offline Joe?

Right now the night I am definitely free while I am in Adelaide is Saturday, November 21st (after 7 pm). Days are pretty much filled.

There is a chance I may be free the two preceding evenings as well (more likely Friday eve than Thursday). Qantas has changed my departure date to the 17th, which means I arrive the 19th, leaving a bit of a scramble to adjust my ground itinerary. I'll post an update within the next few days if Saturday can't work.

[n4sir]

Any update on what days/nights you might have free in Adelaide for a possible offline Joe?

Right now the night I am definitely free while I am in Adelaide is Saturday, November 21st (after 7 pm). Days are pretty much filled.

There is a chance I may be free the two preceding evenings as well (more likely Friday eve than Thursday). Qantas has changed my departure date to the 17th, which means I arrive the 19th, leaving a bit of a scramble to adjust my ground itinerary. I'll post an update within the next few days if Saturday can't work.

The Alehouse is booked out Saturday the 21st and Friday the 20th. If people are really keen to go there, Thursday the 19th may be the only possibility, and I'm still yet to discuss with the manager about pricing (which will be Monday at the earliest).

I seriously doubt I will be able to swing a deal including corkage for Friday or Saturday night at any similar venues because two weeks is relatively short notice going into the Xmas season, and they will want top dollar for a weekend dinner. There is always T Chow again if it has to be on a Friday or Saturday...

Cheers,
Ian

[Joe Cz]

Ian et al.,

Honestly, I am not hugely concerned about the venue (as long as the food is half-decent). I am much more interested in meeting some of the folks from the forum, hanging out and talking/tasting wine.

I am fairly certain I will be looked after well during the other nights of my trip, so it need not be anything fancy. If there are any U.S. wines (or otherwise) that you'd be interested in tasting, throw out a few suggestions and I'll see what I can dig up. Unfortunately, I can't offer Screaming Eagle, Harlan or the like, because I'm a writer not a banker or lawyer, but I should be able to come up with a few interesting bottles.

Joe