Saddle up for a unique vineyard experience

Adelaide Hills winery Petaluma is the 29th wine producer to join Ultimate Winery Experiences Australia, a collective of premium producers offering winery experiences across the country.

Petaluma makes premium wines from vineyard sites across South Australia, including the Adelaide Hills, Coonawarra and the Clare Valley.

Located just 40 minutes from Adelaide’s CBD, in Woodside, the Petaluma cellar door offers a range of experiences along with spectacular views.

Petaluma is also home to the Croser sparkling range, although founder Brian Croser is no longer involved.

Petaluma's tourism offerings include a Private Horse Trail Ride experience which invites guests on a guided horseback journey through the vineyards, complete with commentary on the history of the brand, which dates back to 1976.

Horses are matched to guests’ needs from nearby Hallmark Farm in Woodside, owned by dual Olympian Megan Jones and husband James Deacon. The ride is followed by a private wine tasting, finishing with a platter of savoury and sweet delicacies paired with a glass of Croser Vintage Sparkling, served outside on the spectacular deck or by the fire in the cooler months.

Guests can also discover the Museum Release Glass Room Experience, which features a mix of super-premium current and back vintage wines from the Petaluma Museum Cellar matched with a three-course tasting menu from Woodside Providore.

Ultimate Winery Experiences Australia’s executive officer Sarah Myers said she was thrilled to welcome Petaluma to the collective.

“Petaluma brings a unique new dimension to Ultimate Winery Experiences Australia,” she said. “Guests can taste wines not only from the cool-climate Adelaide Hills, but from iconic regions around South Australia – providing them with a diverse experience that broadens their perspective on South Australian wines,” she said.

Andrew McDowell from Vinarchy, the owners of Petaluma, said “We are very proud to have Petaluma join this exceptional cohort of Australia’s premium wineries.

“Our experiences focus on highlighting the region, and with Petaluma we are blessed to be in the heart of the beautiful Adelaide Hills,” said McDowell.

See https://www.ultimatewineryexperiences.com.au/

Tasmanian wine producer Devil's Corner joins the club

Wine tourism is one of the fastest growing sectors of the travel industry. 

One of the leaders in the space is Ultimate Winery Experiences Australia, which has just announced Tasmanian winery Devil’s Corner as its latest member. 

Devil's Corner is known for its spectacular views and is located on Tasmania’s Great Eastern Drive, two hours from Hobart and 90 minutes from Launceston. 

The tasting facility overlooks the Freycinet Peninsula and the Hazards mountain range, which are name-checked in Devil’s Corner’s premium tier of wine.

Part of the Brown Family Wine Group, Devil’s Corner specialises in pinot noir, chardonnay and riesling. 

With decks for al fresco dining, the cellar door has two tasting spaces and also offers  fresh Tasmanian seafood and wood-fired pizzas from on-site culinary partners Fishers of Freycinet and Tombolo Freycinet.

Guests visiting the winery can book an immersive Ultimate Winery Experience to go beyond the cellar door. The Moulting Lagoon Experience goes off the beaten track, exploring the picturesque vineyards before an authentic hands-on oyster shucking demonstration with a glass of riesling or pinot gris. 

Guests with a sweet tooth can indulge in a wine and chocolate pairing, where a flight of four wines is paired with artisanal chocolates from local producer Tutumaz & The Devil (strange name!).

“Devil’s Corner joins House of Arras, Josef Chromy and Moorilla as our fourth Tasmanian winery member," says Ultimate Winery Experiences Australia Executive Officer Sarah Myers. 

"Nestled in the heart of Tasmania's rugged landscape, Devil's Corner perfectly captures the essence of this wild and pristine region.” 

Devil’s Corner is open seven days a week from 10am-5pm. 

Ultimate Winery Experiences Australia is a collection of premium award-winning wineries offering experiences that invite visitors to go "beyond the cellar door". 

See www.ultimatewineryexperiences.com.au

Where to snuffle out some truffle goodness

So you have a yen for truffles?


From truffle-themed wine-matched lunches to hands-on truffle hunts, Ultimate Winery Experiences Australia is showcasing several ways to unearth the magic of truffles and wine this winter.

Truffle Lunch Series at Pt. Leo Estate

Mornington Peninsula's Pt. Leo Estate is hosting a series of truffle-themed lunches at its two-hatted restaurant, Laura, in conjunction with local producers Red Hill Truffles. The day kicks off with a cooking demonstration by culinary director Josep Espuga followed by a four-course menu with dishes enriched by truffles. On August 25, the Luxe Truffle Lunch is where guests get to meet the owners of Red Hill Truffles and their truffle hunting dogs before sitting down to a seven-course truffle-centric menu with wine pairings available. Dates: July 19, August 11, August 25. Cost: $225-$380 per person.

Oak Valley Truffle Menu and Chef’s Table Lunch at Leeuwin Estate

The Manjimup region of Western Australia is known for its high-quality truffles, and Leeuwin Estate in Margaret River has collaborated with Oak Valley Truffles to offer a month-long, six-course truffle-themed menu at the winery restaurant. The Oak Valley Truffle Lunch menu is available for the month of July, and features dishes like Jerusalem artichoke with truffle, chestnut fazzoletti, egg yolk and roasted onion, paired with current and museum release wines. On July 27, head chef Dan Gedge will present a Chef’s Table Truffle Lunch with five truffle courses and co-owner Simone Furlong will share stories on the wines. Dates: Throughout July (truffle menu) and July 27 (Chef’s Table lunch event). Cost: $250-$260.

Red Hill Truffle Weekend at Montalto Estate

Leading Mornington Peninsula wine producer Montalto Estate is partnering with Red Hill Truffles on July 20-21 for a "decadent truffle extravaganza", with a set menu showcasing Red Hill truffles, or the option to add shaved truffle to dishes served in the Piazza. On Sunday, July 21, guests can book in for an interactive truffle hunt and get their hands dirty digging for truffles alongside truffle hunting dogs Thomas and Maddie. The experience concludes with a five-course truffle-inspired lunch, starring the truffles unearthed on the morning’s hunt. Dates: July 20-21. Cost: $125-$269.

Festa Tartufo at Josef Chromy Wines

Tasmania’s chilly climate and rich soil has proved ideal for growing truffles, which is why Festa Tartufo - or Truffle Festival - is returning to Josef Chromy Wines at Relbia, outside Launceston. A five-course dinner will see executive chef Nick Raitt reveal the nuances of truffles with dishes matched to winemaker Ockie Myburgh's cool-climate wines. Date: August 2. Cost: $160.

Truffle Dinners at Mandoon Estate

Mandoon Estate in the Swan Valley will be taking guests on a culinary journey in August, with two truffle-inspired dinner events. Matched Mandoon Estate wines from both Margaret River and the Swan Valley will be available to enhance the flavour of dishes starring West Australian ingredients like Stirling Ranges beef short rib and Abrolhos sea scallops (with a generous dose of truffle). Dates: August 9 and 16. Cost: $125.

For details see: https://www.ultimatewineryexperiences.com.au/