To maximise our time with the family, between Xmas and New Year, we all headed up to the Hunter Valley, a renowned wine region in New South Wales famous for its Semillon and Shiraz wines. Not done this sort of thing before we were all looking forward to a few days of wine tasting and even more so knowing we had a dedicated driver in Peter, who doesn’t like wine – brilliant!
We arrived a little later than expected, due to being stuck for 2 hours trying to get out of Sydney, however arrived in time to visit one winery, which was still open – just. After tasting the wine portfolio of Tintilla (and realising that this was a great way to get drunk for free, if you should so wish!) we opted for their lovely sparkling red, sold to us by the guy it was named after and who said its perfect with kangaroo wellington!
That evening, to keep things fair, we visited the Bluetongue brewery and sampled some of their beers – something for Peter. The Bluetongue premium ale came up tops as did their Ginger beer which is a fab straight off the beach drink!
The next two days we got into the swing of things and visited McGuigans – not only wine but cheese tasting too – again something for Peter!, Harrigan’s, Tyrrells (where we had a great wine tour), Audrey Wilkinson (the first winery in the Hunter Valley), Lindemans / Rosemount, Pepper Tree, Petersons, Savannah, Scarborough, and Tinklers (excellent boutique winery). Of course we obliged and bought some wine too!
Whilst at Hunter we got to see some of Australia’s wildlife – Skippy and Lama’s, who look like baby camels!�
Tags: hunter valley, lama, skippy, wine
Hi there, Christmas sounds a great event in Oz. The menu was equal to the Q.Vic. and I bet the wine flowed.
By the time we had Christmas we were back in the Atlantic and the weather was getting cooler.
Maderia was pleasent, we sat out in the sun for coffee, listening to local music.
Here at home it is very cold,VVVV cold. Each day we have a bit of sun and that is lovely but by 3.30 the sun has gone and the temp. drops.- are you feeling sorry for us now or shall I add a bit more!!
The wine country sound wonderful and I am please you found a treat for Peter.
Have a wonderful time, sorry that Daniel has to go to work, but the rest of you can tell him about your days when he gets home. I hope the flat is good, send some pictures on the blog.
A Very Happy New Year to you all. Love Marje.xxxxx