Australia

A Magnificent Tasting at Penfold’s Magill Estate Winery

(Feb. 20, 2016) On our last day in Adelaide, we were fortunate to obtain a private tasting at Penfold’s Magill Estate with winemaker, Jason Barrette, and Hospitality Director, Jane Gibbs. This was organized by famous Australian photographer, Milton Wordley, who is good friends with Peter Gago. When Milton learned I hadn’t visited Penfold’s since 2003, he insisted on setting up the visit for us. We are very glad we followed his advice. Old Vines Saved from Bulldozer by Winemakers The Magill Estate is located in a suburb of Adelaide, and boasts 12 acres of old shiraz vines.  It is the only [...]

By |2021-01-23T14:14:30-08:00March 23, 2016|

One Day Wine Tasting in the Barossa Valley, Australia

(Feb. 19, 2016) At the end of our 3 day conference, we signed up to attend the one-day private wine tasting tour in the Barossa Valley. Just like the McClaren Vale, I had visited Barossa several times previously, but this time there were some new wineries on the agenda. Previous Evening Dinner at Hill of Grace Restaurant Given the fact that we had enjoyed a 5-course dinner paired with wine at the Hill of Grace Restaurant in the Adelaide Oval Stadium the evening before, the 8am departure was a bit challenging. Especially since our dinner had started at 7:30pm with [...]

By |2021-01-23T14:14:52-08:00March 9, 2016|

Three Delightful Days in McClaren Vale, Australia

Reunited with my Australian Relatives in McClaren Vale (February 14 – 16, 2016) Our plane touched down in Adelaide around noon, but it only took a short time to pick up our rental car at Hertz and drive the 45 minutes to McClaren Vale.  We reached our private cottage around 1:30pm and after a shower and power nap, went to visit Hugh Hamilton Winery (see other post), before driving up Marshall Road to visit my relatives who live on top of the hill. As usual on this remote road, we passed at least 8 kangaroos jumping in the yellow grass.  [...]

By |2021-01-23T14:15:13-08:00March 9, 2016|

A Visit to the Cartoon Decorated Molly Dooker Winery

(Feb. 15, 2016) I must admit that I’ve never been a fan of cartoon wine labels, but at the same time recognize that they have helped Molly Dooker to differentiate itself on the global wine scene. However, given the fame of their wines now, I’m not sure that the cartoon labels are still necessary. And indeed, they have dispensed with this custom on their high-end Black Velvet wine, which comes in a simple black bottle. On the other hand, the cartoons are part of what attracts many of my Millennial wine students to this winery. We arrived around 11:30 in [...]

By |2021-01-23T14:15:36-08:00February 25, 2016|

Visiting the Black Sheep Winery of Hugh Hamilton in McClaren Vale, Australia

(Feb. 14, 2016) The entrance to Hugh Hamilton Wineryis stunning, with a curved gray wall at the beginning and then a long driveway lined with tall green cypress trees.  Along the drive, there are four “sheep dips”, which are upside down speed bumps, each marked with a cute sign with a sheep.” At the far end of the driveway is a tall circular building set on a hilltop and surrounded by vineyards.  An imposing flight of steps leads to the building, and sitting in the center of the staircase is a statue of a sheep. The whole effect is both [...]

By |2021-01-23T14:15:56-08:00February 24, 2016|

Wine Judging Trip to Blue Mountains of Australia and Lillianfels Resort

October 2012 - During the second week of October, I was honored to be invited to participate in the Sydney International Wine Competition in Australia with 12 other wine judges from around the world. Two of us arrived on the non-stop flight from San Francisco to Sydney on Sunday morning at 7:30am and took a taxi ($15 with tip) to the Mercure Airport Hotel where they had reserved a day room so we could shower before meeting the rest of our group at 10am. We then boarded a small bus and drove the 1.5 hours into the Blue Mountains and [...]

By |2021-01-23T15:57:50-08:00November 14, 2012|

Visiting Wineries in Tasmania

What a perfect island! It is like a small perfect world with mountains, lakes, rivers, hills, ocean all around, and very friendly people. Unfortunately I arrived in Hobart 4 hours late, because I missed my plane in Melbourne – they should announce to non-Australians that the time changes by 30 minutes from Adelaide to Melbourne. However, I didn’t realize this and showed up to the gate as the plane was leaving – with my luggage (which I believe is illegal). Regardless, I was forced to wait and catch up on emails in the airport. When I called my mother, she [...]

By |2023-08-02T17:41:36-07:00March 31, 2008|

Margaret River – Western Australia

I want to go back here again! I didn’t have enough time – only 2 days, and it rained one day, but this is one of the most beautiful places on earth. It has pure white sandy beaches (see photo), a warm turquoise ocean, and over 120 wineries close by. What is not to love? I flew into Perth and drove 3.5 hours south to Margaret River which is on a peninsula in the south part of Western Australia and surrounded by water on 3 sides (the Antarctic Ocean, the Indian Ocean, and Geographe Bay). First stop was the famous [...]

By |2021-01-24T00:31:59-08:00March 31, 2008|

Barossa – Greenock Creek Winery

This was the third time I had visited the Barossa - -the first time in 1995 when I went to Yalumba, Wolf Blass, and Penfolds. Then again in 2003 when I visited Wolf Blass again – for the whole day -- as well as Penfolds Grange near Adelaide and Rockford. This time, I went to a small winery that I hadn’t heard of in the U.S., but apparently is a cult winery in Australia -- called Greenock Creek. In fact, while in Rutherglen I had someone recommend I visit because he said “the wine will change your life.” I think [...]

By |2021-01-24T00:32:17-08:00March 30, 2008|

Adelaide Hills

It actually snows in Adelaide Hills in the winter time in Australia, because it is a higher elevation north of the town of Adelaide. It is very beautiful and filled with charming little towns. The main winery I visited here was called The Lane where the owner was kind enough to give us a tour of his state of the art equipment. It was brand-new and spotless with an amazing basket press and a mistral which is a windblower that sorts the grapes. He also had his own nitrogen generator, Mueller stainless barrels that rolled on their own racks for [...]

By |2021-01-24T00:32:35-08:00March 30, 2008|

Eden Valley – Henschke Winery

Eden Valley is a small appellation right next to Barossa, but is hillier and considered cooler in climate. One of the most famous wineries in Australia is here - -Henschke. They are known for their very famous Hill of Grace vineyard with its 150 + year old shiraz grapes that create a wine that is rich, dark and chocolately. I met with Pru, the viticulture manager and she described the farming processes in Hill of Grace. I also had a wonderful tour of the winery and tasted through the wines that were available, but Hill of Grace had already sold [...]

By |2020-12-25T06:25:50-08:00March 30, 2008|

The Clare Valley

I left McClaren Vale at 8am on Tuesday morning and drove north towards Clare Valley. They told me the trip would only take about 2 hours, but I got lost in Adelaide and didn’t arrive in Clare until 11am – just in time for my second appointment with the Annie’s Lane winemaker. He let me taste 6 different Rieslings from different vintages and terroirs – which were quite fascinating. We went through the complete winemaking process, but they were unable to show me the winery because the wine is made at Blass in the Barossa. Transporting the wine to another [...]

By |2021-01-24T00:32:58-08:00March 24, 2008|

Wine Tasting in McClaren Vale

Since my relatives (Uncle Gary and Aunt Marilyn) live in McClaren Vale, I have spent the most time visiting wineries and tasting in this region. It is just 30 minutes south of Adelaide and quite close to the ocean. There are lovely vineyards on the hillsides and big gum trees, as well as small charming towns and the ocean with white sand beaches near by. Quite an enjoyable place to live. On Sunday afternoon, I had an interview at Noons and was able to tour the vineyards and winery. A very special small winery with an allocated wine list. I [...]

By |2021-01-24T00:33:16-08:00March 24, 2008|

Kangaroos in McClaren Vale

On Sunday, I drove to Uncle Gary and Aunt Marilyn’s house in McClaren Vale. They have an 80 acre ranch just outside the own on the hills above the vineyards. The nearest wineries are Wirra Wirra and Noon’s. Gary and I spent the afternoon wine tasting and then went 4-wheel driving on the property in search of kangaroos. I was amazed at how many we saw – at least 15 that evening but they are difficult to catch on camera (see video & photo). To date, I have now seen at least 40 kangaroos on their property – some are [...]

By |2021-01-24T00:33:35-08:00March 24, 2008|

Festival and Fun in Adelaide

I flew from Melbourne to Adelaide on Wednesday evening, Feb. 27 and spent the next 2 days at the University of South Australia doing research. Since festival was going on, I got to experience some of the wonderful exhibits and music. On Friday night we saw the light show and dance on North Terrace and had a nice party at Armando’s. Saturday, I picked grapes in McClaren Vale and attended a Harvest BBQ in the morning and afternoon, then returned to a BBQ at Larry and Janet’s house in Adelaide. A long fun day of eating and drinking incredible wines. [...]

By |2020-12-25T06:24:41-08:00March 24, 2008|
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