Mount Pleasant joins wine tourism collective

Historic Mount Pleasant Wines in the Hunter Valley is the latest producer to join the Ultimate Winery Experiences Australia (UWEA) wine tourism collective.

One of the Hunter Valley’s most storied wineries, Mount Pleasant was founded in 1921 by Maurice O’Shea, who is widely regarded as one of the fathers of modern Australian winemaking for his pioneering approach to table wines, innovative blending techniques and use of French oak, at a time when fortified wines dominated the market.

Located in Pokolbin, a two-hour drive north of Sydney, Mount Pleasant offers visitors a heritage experience through its stylishly renovated cellar door and tasting programs.

Refurbed in 2022, Mount Pleasant’s cellar door is set within the original homestead buildings. The space offers an expanded tasting area, a private tasting room and a separate members’ lounge in the adjacent barn.

There’s also wine store described as “a Disneyland for wine lovers” housing some of Mount Pleasant’s oldest and most significant wines, where aficionados can purchase museum bottles.

Guests visiting the winery can choose from three Ultimate Winery Experiences ranging from $100 to $1000 per person.

Hosted by chief winemaker Adrian Sparks (when available), ‘The Maurice O’Shea Legacy’ experience is an immersive journey featuring a guided vineyard and winery walk, tank and barrel tasting, private tasting of rare wines and a shared-style lunch at the winemaker’s table.

‘The Mothervine Experience’ is a captivating journey through the origins of Australia’s pinot noir, which reveals how 70% of the country’s greatest pinot noir vineyards trace their lineage back to a single vine still thriving in Mount Pleasant’s historic Mothervine vineyard.

A guided vineyard walk is followed by a pinot noir-focussed winery tour and tasting followed by a charcuterie lunch.

‘Love on Mount Pleasant’ includes a self-guided tour of the estate’s private art and photography collection, which include pieces by renowned Australian artist and Archibald Prize winner Garry Shead, before a guided tasting of eight Mount Pleasant Wines accompanied by olives, cheese and lavosh.

Ultimate Winery Experiences executive officer Sarah Myers said she was thrilled to welcome Mount Pleasant to the collective.

“Mount Pleasant is a prestigious winery renowned for producing benchmark Hunter Valley styles such as semillon and shiraz, and with its stylish new cellar door and incredible art collection, it’s an unmissable Hunter Valley wine tourism destination,” she said.

“The site is home to some of the oldest Shiraz vines in the world, dating back to 1880, so there’s an incredible amount of history for guests to unearth when they visit."

Mount Pleasant joins nearby Hunter Valley winery Audrey Wilkinson, and fellow New South Wales wineries Printhie Wines and Swinging Bridge – both located in Orange – as members of the Ultimate Winery Experiences Australia collective.

Mount Pleasant is open seven days from 10am-5pm, and is located at 401 Marrowbone Road, Pokolbin.

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Discover more at www.ultimatewineryexperiences.com.au.

Coldstream Hills marks a milestone in style

Coldstream Hills, the Yarra Valley producer founded by wine guru James Halliday, is celebrating its 40th birthday.

Halliday has retired to Sydney and Coldstream Hills has long been part of Treasury Wine Estates, but it remains one of the Yarra's most celebrated wineries. 

Consistency is provided by former Seppelt winemaker Andrew Fleming, who has been chief winemaker since 2001. 

To mark 40 years, The Amphitheatre Experience will be held on November 15 and 16 at the Coldstream Hills cellar door. 

Hosted by wine raconteur George Samios and set overlooking the spectacular Amphitheatre Block - the first vineyard planted by Halliday in 1985 - the tasting will includes eight current and back-vintage wines, paired with an artisanal grazing platter.

The cost is $60 per person. Book Your Tasting. 

There will also be a 40th birthday wine dinner on Wednesday, November 19, at The George on Collins, Melbourne. 

Guests can join Fleming and Samios for a three-course menu matched with rare and current Coldstream Hills wines, plus behind-the-scenes tales of how it all began.

This costs $250 per person. Book your dinner ticket. 

There will also be back vintage tastings every weekend in November at the cellar door. 

Tasters can go into a draw to win a museum magnum selected by Fleming, and receive a bonus bottle of Beenak Pinot Noir with every six-bottle purchase. 

I'd recommend enjoying a glass of the award-winning 2018 Sparkling Pinot Noir Chardonnay, which I thoroughly enjoyed at a recent tasting. It is lemony and briochey with a very lively mousse. A serious bargain for $35. 

Also try to taste the restrained, elegant and minerally 2024 Beernak Chardonnay ($55), the soft and plush 2024 Deer Farm Vineyard Pinot Noir ($50) and the Coldstream Hills 2024 Reserve Chardonnay ($60), a wine of balance and intensity. 

   
Coldstream Hills Cellar Door, 29 Maddens Lane, Gruyere, Vic. https://www.coldstreamhills.com.au/

Marlborough gets a new gourmet destination for wine lovers

Marlborough - New Zealand's wine capital - has a new tourism destination.

Wine + Food Experience Marlborough is now officially opened in Blenheim's riverside precinct.

The refurbished venue brings together and celebrates more than 50 local wineries and food producers under one roof.

Wine + Food offers visitors personalised wine tastings through WineEmotion automatic dispensers, cellar door experiences, and food offerings including cheese and seafood.

"Our mission with Wine + Food is to enhance the cellar door journey, not replace it," said managing director Lenny O'Connell.

"Wine + Food ensures visitors to Marlborough who are short on time do not miss tasting the expertly crafted premium wine unique to our region.

"We have designed Wine + Food to be a place where locals, businesses, and visitors come together to experience the region's finest, from wines and seasonal cuisine to thoughtfully curated tastings and special events."

Guests receive a WineEmotion card to sample wines at their preferred quantity (a taste, half pour, or full glass) and pace (below).

Custom-built display units feature immersive digital monitors sharing wineries’ brand stories and tasting notes.



With capacity for up to 420 guests, Wine + Food features several private event spaces including tasting rooms for personalised experiences.

There is also a sheltered outdoor terrace with elevated views of the Taylor River and Richmond Ranges, ideal for corporate events, intimate weddings or after-work drinks.

“We’re proud to breathe new life into the former Clubs of Marlborough building and the Wine + Food Experience will soon be complemented by an adjoining restaurant, expected to open shortly, offering lunch and dinner service to complete the culinary journey,” said O'Connell.

In addition to local wines, guests can enjoy beer, gin and whiskey tastings and purchase featured products through the on-site off-licence.

The Wine + Food Experience Marlborough is open daily from 11am to 10pm, welcoming guests after traditional cellar doors have closed.

See https://winefoodmarlborough.co.nz/

Coonawarra vignerons hit the road - and the water

For over two decades the winemakers of Coonawarra have been hitting the road to show off their wares in various state capitals.

In just a few weeks’ time Coonawarra’s producers will be setting off on the 2025 Coonawarra Wine Tasting Roadshow - the 22nd instalment of the event, which has seen over 15,000 wines poured at 120 showcases across the country since 2003.

To be held in major centres across the east coast of Australia, and Adelaide, the 2025 event series will see up to 24 producers travelling from the famed terra rossa soils of Coonawarra in regional South Australia, to bring wine lovers the best of the wine region. 

This metro tour follows a successful regional Victorian Roadshow showcase this past June, which achieved sold out events in Ballarat, Geelong, Hamilton and Warrnambool.

Attendees will be spoilt for choice with anywhere between 120 and 160 wines featuring on the wine lists at the various events with a range of varieties and styles up for tasting.

One of the standout events of the 2025 Roadshow is set to take place in Sydney on Sunday, August 31, with the Coonawarra wine region taking to the water aboard the luxurious Starship Sydney on the Sydney Harbour. 

Organisers are revitalising the experience this year with a relaxed Sunday afternoon session, pairing iconic views with iconic wines.

“We are super excited to bring a fresh take to our Sydney showcase,”  said Heidi Guyett, Coonawarra Vignerons events & marketing manager.

“A Sunday afternoon cruise on Sydney Harbour, matched with incredible wines and conversations with our winemakers - we can’t think of a better way to experience Coonawarra in the city.”

See https://coonawarra.org/coonawarra-wine-tasting-roadshow-2025/

Hop to it: a new way to explore the Canberra wine region

It just got a whole lot easier to explore the Canberra District Wine Region with the launch of the new Wine Hopper tour. 

This hop-on, hop-off service allows visitors to experience the wine region at their own pace.

The Wine Hopper's flexible weekend schedule includes stops at some to the Canberra region's most celebrated wineries with time for tastings and relaxation without a designated driver. 

With a loop around Murrumbateman throughout the day, there is enough time to visit three or four wineries before being ferried back to the Canberra CBD.

Wine Hopper's hop-on, hop-off tour run Saturdays and Sundays from 10am until 5pm. Tickets start from $89 per person and include round-trip transport from Canberra with expert driver-hosts, a route map, winery guide and unlimited hops throughout the day.



Hoppers can sample wines at McKellar Ridge Wines, Murrumbateman Winery Eden Road Wines, 
Shaw Estate, Clonakilla, The Vintner's Daughter, Four Winds Vineyard and Dionysus Winery. Take your pick. 

There also stops at Murrumbateman Country Inn for a lunch break between wine tastings. 

Tours depart Saturday and Sundays at 10am from 7 Akuna Street, Canberra. For more info see their website.

Images: Bus at Dionysus; tasting at Vintner's Daughter.

New cellar door recognised at architecture awards

The recently opened Tolpuddle Vineyard Tasting Room in the Coal River Valley has taken out the top honour for Commercial Architecture at the 2025 Tasmanian Architecture Awards. 

The awards were presented by the Australian Institute of Architects (AIA) earlier this month. The project also received a commendation for Sustainable Architecture and the EmAGN Project Award.

Held annually, the AIA awards recognise excellence across commercial, public, educational, residential, interior and heritage architecture. 

Designed by Hobart-based Tanner Architects and built by Cordwell Built, the Tolpuddle Vineyard Tasting Room is nestled within the vineyard, with expansive floor-to-ceiling windows framing sweeping views of the vines. 

Salvaged West Coast Tasmanian timber features throughout the building, and guests can enjoy seating both indoors and outside. 

“We deliberately chose to use local architects and builders for the project," said Tolpuddle Vineyard co-owner and project director Martin Shaw. 

"Tanner Architects interpreted the brief brilliantly and Cordwell Built did a sensational job in construction. We couldn’t be happier with the outcome.”

The Australian Institute of Architects (AIA) jury citation said: “This project exemplifies a refined and disciplined approach to commercial architecture, achieving balance between agricultural authenticity and architectural sophistication. 

"Likewise, the built form is sensitively integrated within its landscape, demonstrating a strong connection to place. The clear delineation of tasting areas and amenities ensure a seamless and intuitive
user experience."

The Tolpuddle Vineyard Tasting Room is open by appointment Friday through Monday 11am to 5pm with last bookings at 4pm. Tastings are $55 per person.

See tolpuddlevineyard.com

Image: Adam Gibson   

Coonawarra vignerons to raid their cellars for back vintages

Coonawarra vignerons will be scouring their cellars for older gems when the annual Cellar Dwellers festival returns next month. 

Coonawarra’s wineries are inviting wine lovers to discover treasures from their cellars with back vintage drops and special museum-release wines on offer for tasting during the July event. 

Among the activities to feature this years are themed wine trails, winemaker brunches, lunches and dinners, daily slow-cooked food pairings, behind-the-scenes winery tours, and intimate fireside tastings.

“Cellar Dwellers offers something truly special - you’re not just tasting wine, you’re experiencing the history and heart of Coonawarra," says Heidi Guyett, events and marketing officer for Coonawarra Vignerons. 

"Whether it’s sipping a beautifully aged vintage rarely seen outside the region, sharing a meal with the winemaker who crafted it, or enjoying a relaxed afternoon by the fire with a glass in hand, each event offers a genuine connection to the place and the people behind the wines. 

" It’s a chance to slow down, savour the stories in every bottle, and discover what makes Coonawarra so unique. Whether you're a seasoned wine lover or just starting your journey, there's something here for everyone.  

“The cornerstone of the event is the opportunity to taste treasured back-vintage wines from our 
cellar doors, offering a rare chance to compare them with current releases. It’s all designed to showcase the depth and warmth of our region - one sip and one story at a time.”

The Cellar Dwellers Back Vintage Tasting Showcase will be held on Friday, July 18, bringing together up to 15 Coonawarra producers to showcase their older wines.

“It’s a special evening where wine lovers can taste up to 30 aged wines from a collective of Coonawarra producers -all under one roof, for one night only," says Guyett. 

"This walk-around tasting is a rare chance to explore the evolution of both red and white varieties, from riesling and chardonnay to merlot, shiraz and, of course, our iconic cabernet sauvignon." 

A full list of the wines being showcased is available on the coonawarra.org website.

For those wanting to make a night of it, Guyett recommends rounding out the experience with dinner at the award-winning Pipers of Penola. 

Full event details here: https://coonawarra.org/cellar-dwellers-july-2025/

Image: Tasting at Zema Estate

Flying high: Marnong Estate makes a statement

Make a note of the name: Marnong Estate.

First the Victorian red wine producer snapped up talented winemaker Alex Beckett, and now it has released a new collection of premium reds: 2024 single-vineyard expressions of sangiovese, montepulciano, and pinot noir, along with a 2023 single-vineyard shiraz and a more affordable 2024 estate pinot noir.

I've just tasted the 2024 montepulciano and pinot noir, along with the 2023 shiraz, which share a common thread of cool-climate elegance and hints of subtle minerality throughout the range.

You won't find Marnong in one of the major wine regions but it is in one of the oldest; located in Sunbury, just down the road from Melbourne Airport.

It sits 300 metres above sea level and is just 35 minutes from Melbourne CBD. There are 34 hectares under vine, with more planned. 

“Our wines are carefully crafted to capture the essence of the cool climate terroir through a balance of traditional and innovative techniques," former Briar Ridge winemaker Beckett (below) says.

 "The 2024 Single Vineyard collection is a perfect showcase of this - wines with remarkable complexity, refined structure, and a perfect harmony between fruit expression and savoury characters.”

Of the trio I tried, the intense and savoury montepulciano was narrowly my favourite, just edging the spice notes of the shiraz. Both are very good buys, and extremely food friendly.

The prices are: 2024 Single Vineyard Sangiovese $35; 2023 Single Vineyard Shiraz $40, 2024 Single Vineyard Montepulciano $35, 2024 Single Vineyard Pinot Noir $40, 2024 Estate Pinot Noir $25.

Marnong is certainly on my list for my next visit to bleak city. The property, with the original homestead dating back to the 1840s, is a luxury wine and dining destination with accommodation to match.

Visitors can taste at the cellar door, or dine in at one of two Italian restaurants, La Vètta, and Cucina 3064, or enjoy coffee with a view at Caffè Vista.

Marnong Estate holds wine and chocolate tastings at its cellar door - but you'll need a reservation for that. See www.marnongestate.com.au.

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/

Taste country wines in city style

Urban cellar doors are growing in popularity, bringing the tasting experience to time poor city dwellers.

Vinesmith, which operates Blue Pyrenees Estate and Glenlofty Estate, offers wines from both those labels at its Melbourne cellar door at 1 Flinders Lane.

Blue Pyrenees Estate, established in 1963, is renowned for its estate-grown wines, including the high-end Richardson Reserve and Estate Red.

Glenlofty Estate, meanwhile, is known for shiraz, roussanne/marsanne blends, and its cabernet sauvignon.

With these two estates in its stable, Vinesmith is now the largest wine producer in the Pyrenees. The wines are very well made.  

Glenlofty was purchased by the Richmond-Smith family in 2010 and took over Blue Pyrenees in 2019

Wine lovers can now experience both Glenlofty and Blue Pyrenees first-hand at Vinesmith City Cellar Door in Melbourne’s CBD. The facility was opened late last year and offerings here include wine bar and shop, bistro/restaurant.

A range of paid-for curated tastings is on offer.

When to make a wine date in the Adelaide Hills

The Adelaide Hills is one the most beautiful wine regions in Australia, and also one of the busiest, with a regular number of events held throughout the year.

Here's list of what is coming up:

CHARDONNAY MAY – May 1-31
The month of May sees a focus on the cool-climate chardonnay wines crafted in the Adelaide Hills. Throughout the month, cellar doors across the Adelaide Hills will hold a series of special tastings, themed dining experiences, special aged wines from the cellar and new releases. More details on individual winery offerings will be available from early April here: Chardonnay May

WINTER REDS – July 25-27
This long-standing winter weekend festival celebrates the many different red wines produced in Adelaide Hills - shiraz, pinot noir, tempranillo and more - with a vibrant party atmosphere at multiple venues involving open fires, live music, hearty meals, and good company. Details on individual winery events will be available from early June here: Winter Reds

SPRING FESTIVAL – November 14-16
Late spring is delightful in the Adelaide Hills with the vines beginning to turn green. This year the spring event will feature not just the fine traditional method sparkling wines made in the Adelaide Hills, but also a selection of whites, rose and reds wines, too. Details for the various activities will be available in mid-October here: Spring Festival

WINE SHOW LUNCH – November 28

Each year, over a long lunch, the trophy winners from the 2025 Adelaide Hills Wine Show are announced and tasted. The lunch is attended by local wineries, invited guests, wine media and wine show sponsors.

See ww.adelaidehillswine.com.au

Barrels of fun: a new wine tasting experience in Rutherglen

 

Stanton & Killeen, a family owned winery that produces outstanding fortified wines, has opened a new speakeasy-style tasting space at its winery in Rutherglen, north-east Victoria.

The wine maker has transformed part of its century-old cellar into a cosy space surrounded by muscat barrels that is now open for group experiences and private hire.

The area is a new addition following a renovation of the old winery space.

Guests are able to step back in time and experience a 'Mystery of Muscat' tasting surrounded by old old oak barrels, or can book the space for friends or family groups.

The space is available for a minimum of four and maximum of 30 guests for a three-hour private experience featuring premium wines and gourmet provisions.

This is part of Stanton & Killeen's membership of Ultimate Winery Experiences of Australia.

The producer has a history stretching back seven generations and almost 150 years.

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

Mornington Peninsula to warm up over winter

Been meaning to visit the Mornington Peninsula wine region in Victoria? 

The Mornington Peninsula Winter Wine Weekend might be the excuse you've been looking for. 

The four-day celebration offers "a new look, new food and new events" from June 7-10. 

Key events include ‘The Winemaker's Truffle Dinner’, bringing together 13 wineries at The Village Hall at the Red Hill Showgrounds, each winery hosting a table with wines chosen to match dishes featuring new-season truffles. 

Winemakers will be bringing their rare back vintages, cellar selections and large format bottles. 

Wineries featured include Paringa Estate, Montalto, Stonier, Quealy Wines, Main Ridge Estate, Handpicked Wines, Crittenden Wines, Ocean Eight, Lindenderry, Rahona Valley, Red Hill Estate, Tar & Roses and Yabby Lake.

Saturday’s Winter Wine Festival is the weekend's showcase; featuring 40 wineries pouring their new vintages and special releases all under one roof. 

The Village Green at the festival will feature new food partners including the Long Paddock Raclette Bar, Red Gum BBQ – and Pinchy’s Lobster Bar. 

“We are excited to welcome wine lovers back to the Mornington Peninsula for another incredible Winter Wine Weekend,” said Olivia Barrie, CEO of Mornington Peninsula Wine. 

“This year’s program has a number of new opportunities to experience an incredible array of wines and food from our talented makers. 

"Whether you’re a seasoned wine connoisseur or a newcomer to the world of wine, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.”

See https://morningtonpeninsulawine.com.au/winter-wine-weekend

Hunter winemakers to show off their wares

Some of the finest winemakers in the Hunter Valley will be conducting Sunday tastings at new Newcastle venue Vecina throughout April.

Vecina, Flotilla’s new neighbour in Newcastle’ trendy Wickham quarter, will transform into a pop-up cellar door during the fourth Newcastle Food Month.

The dates are Sunday 7, 14, 21 and 28.

So think wines, bites and cool tunes.

Sunday April 7 - Hungerford Hill + Sweetwater Estate

Winemaker Bryan Currie of Sweetwater Estate and Hungerford Hill, will showcase a selection of his best wines from both estates, perfectly paired with snacks from Vecina.

Sunday April 14 – Vinden + Sabi Wabi

The second session of the series is with winemakers Angus Vinden of Vinden Wine and Peta Kotz of Sabi Wabi, who will showcase a selection of their contemporary wines paired with snacks from Vecina.

Sunday April 21 – Thomas + De Iuliis

The third session of the series of four is with winemaking mates Andrew Thomas of Thomas Wines and Mike De Iuliis of De Iuliis Wines.

Sunday April 28 – Charteris + Mercer

The final session of the series of four is with lical stars Aaron Mercer of Mercer Wines and PJ Charteris of Charteris Wines, who will showcase a selection of their multi-regional wines.

Tickets at flotilla.com.au. $95 per person including wine tasting and snacks. Session times: noon & 2.30pm.

New offerings at Margaret River's magic roundabout

There is a new wine tasting destination in Margaret River.

Swings & Roundabouts has recently opened a new cellar door at its Yallingup venue, in time for the busy summer period.

The dedicated tasting room aims to provide an improved vinous experience.

Swings & Roundabouts owner and CEO Andy Hopkins (pictured below, with visitors) said the new cellar door build was part of a larger refurbishment plan to continue improving the venue.

"Swings & Roundabouts is a fun family venue, and it always will be, but at the end of the day we are a winery and we are serious about our wines, as you can see with the large investment in the new cellar door," he said.

“It will give our serious wine aficionados and the new inquisitive wine adventurers an excellent area to taste our latest and greatest in this new exclusive cellar door area.

“It also allows us to host special events and experiences and we’re launching with a new Swings Sensory Sips premium wine tasting experience."



This tasting showcases the impact of using the right glassware to enhance the characteristics of specific wine varieties. Visitors can Sniff, swirl, sip and savour Swings’ hero wines in Plumm glassware.

Swings & Roundabouts' offering continues to grow with its recent acquisition of Brash Road Vineyard, a 24-year-old vineyard on 18 hectares on Naturaliste Ridge in the Yallingup Hills. The vineyard produces cabernet sauvignon, shiraz, chardonnay and sauvignon blanc.

Swings winemaker Jodie Barton also uses fruit from the 40-year-old Wildwood Vineyard.

A recent addition to the team is viticulturalist Jaden McLean who has recently joined Swings from Woodlands in Margaret River.

The Swings Sensory Sips experience costs $25 per person and is available daily at 10am and 2pm. The cost is redeemable for Plumm glassware and Swings & Roundabouts wine purchases.

There are also a range of other tasting experiences on offer.

Check out www.swings.com.au for the latest news and bookings.

Yarra Valley boutique wineries turn on the style

The wineries of the Yarra Valley love a festival.

And celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, spring wine festival Shedfest returns next month.

Mark October 14-15 in your diary for a weekend of wine tastings and bites at 11 family-owned, boutique wineries dotted across the valley.

All members of Yarra Valley Smaller Wineries group, the small proucers, including Soumah, Boat O'Craigo and Tokar Estate, will be offering over 100 wines to taste as well as a selection of gourmet items and live music.

Some wineries will also be offering exclusive deals and experiences for guests - including a Spicy Burger Challenge at Tokar Estate, where chilli lovers can win a bottle of wine if they conquer an entire super-fiery burger.

Tickets cost $35 for a single day or $50 for a weekend pass, which includes a souvenir wine glass to keep.

VIP tickets are also available, where patrons will receive a weekend ticket, souvenir glass, meal voucher, glass of wine and bottle of wine for $110.

Tickets are available now and can be purchased here.  

Ciders and beers will also be on offer and kids, non-drinkers and designated drivers will get free entry.

Taylors raises the bar with new cellar door and tasting experiences

Taylors Wines this week opened the doors of its new Clare Valley cellar door after the completion of a multi-million dollar project on the property. 

The new tasting facility is the first significant update to Taylors’ hospitality offering since the winery was established in 1969. 

The development sees Taylors move from its existing cellar door in the main winery building on the property to a newly developed site: an extension from the original homestead located on the front lawn.

“This is the beginning of an exciting new era for our family winery," said third-generation vigneron and managing director Mitchell Taylor. "We wanted to elevate the experience with this new cellar door, so there are no half measures. 

“Every detail in the project is considered, with design features that are sophisticated while being warm and inviting. The space truly reflects our family and the Taylors story, and we hope it will be the first point of call for visitors to our wonderful region.”

The new cellar door features five distinct areas for visitors: the Main Tasting Room, The Courtyard, The East Patio, The Event Pavilion, and the Collector’s Club members' tasting room. 

The main entry features Taylors’  three seahorse emblem in weathered steel. The use of limestone is  a feature of the facade and walls, alluding to how the Taylor family discovered fossilised seahorses in the vineyard’s limestone bedrock when they established the estate over 50 years ago.

The tasting counter features Enomatic wine serving systems to preserve premium wines while the central feature of the main tasting room is a bronze-green tiled circular fireplace surrounded by cosy lounge chairs and furniture featuring American oak and soft leather. 

The private Collector’s Club members' room sits beside the main tasting room, offering groups of up to 18 a comfortable space in which to conduct hosted tastings and events. This area offers guests 180-degree views of the lawn and vineyards to the east of the property. 

There are two outdoor areas designed for guests to enjoy on the Clare Valley’s sunny days. 

“Our goal has been to create a space that epitomises both Taylors Wines and the Clare Valley - it's an original style all of its own,” Kristina Soggee, senior project architect at GP Architects, said. 

Also new is a range of new tasting experiences including wine and cheese and wine and chocolate tastings. 

For serious wine lovers the Flagship Wines Tasting Experience showcases wines from the Taylors Masterstroke and St Andrews ranges, along with the exceptional parcel release wines, The Visionary Cabernet Sauvignon and The Pioneer Shiraz. 

See www.taylorswines.com.au/visit-us-cellar-door.

Images: Anson Smart

Ten days of wine fun and games in Margaret River

Been meaning to visit wine and gourmet hot spot Margaret River?

The Fine Vines Festival, which will run from October 20-29, might be a good opportunity.

The full program for the festival was announced this week, with a range of tastings, dinners and events - 34 in all - on the schedule.

Fine Vines aims to encourage guests to deepen their understanding of - and connection to - Western Australia's leading wine-producing region.

Now in its third year, the festival's 2023 program features several new events plus the return of some favourites.

Debuting at this year’s festival is Liquid Gold, which will take place at the refurbished Edwards cellar door.

To be hosted by wine critic Angus Hughson, Liquid Gold will provide guests with the opportunity to explore and taste the top 40 gold medal-winning wines from the 2023 Margaret River Wine Show.

The program also includes a number of collaborations with Chow’s Table to host House of Cards, Windance, Cullen and McHenry Hohnen for an organic food and wine pairing.

Woodlands Wines will pair with Tiller Dining, Domaine Naturaliste with Meelup Farmhouse, and South by South West Wine with Perth chef Chase Weber.

Returning to the program is Fine Vines’ self-guided wine tour; the Busselton Wine Hop, which features the region’s small-scale wine producers at local venues like Shelter Brewing Co., The Fire Station, Rocky Ridge and a pop-up wine garden at the ArtGeo Complex.

At Margaret River Open Vineyards, guests are invited behind the farm gate for one weekend only to visit vineyards that aren't usually open to the public. Participating winemakers include Theo Truyts and Clare Trythall (Trait Wines), John Frazer (Frazer Woods), Will Berliner (Cloudburst), Rhys and Emma Parker (Vallee Du Venom) and Lara and Jamie McCall (Burnside Organic Farm).

Previous years’ festival favourites Chameleon at Vasse Felix, Wine on the Water with Clairault Streicker, Vintage Matters at Fraser Gallop, and Mozzarella in the Cellar at Juniper Estate will also be returning.

The full festival program and ticket sales are now live and available at www.finevinesfestival.com.au

Image: Lauren Trickett

Meet Tasmania's newest winery cellar door

UPDATED 

It actually opened its doors over a month ago, but the official ceremony to mark Tasmania's newest cellar door happened today. 

The ribbon at the Bream Creek Vineyard cellar door on the Tasman Peninsula was cut by Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff - as vigneron Fred Peacock joked it had only taken him 33 year to get around to opening a tasting facility. 

And what a cellar door it is, with amazing views of the vines, Marion Bay and Maria Island, slick staff and some delicious looking platters. 

Initially the cellar door will be open five days a week (Wednesday-Sunday) between 10.30am and 5pm.



Two different tastings will be available: a self-guided tasting of four selected estate wines ($10) and a premium guided tasting of the estate and reserve riesling, estate and reserve chardonnay and estate and reserve pinot noir ($20).

All current release wines will be available for purchase, as well as a number of cellar door only wines, and many will be served by the glass.

There will also be some back vintage wines available, along with platters (cheese or small goods) along with Tassie Gold oysters from just down the road at Blue Lagoon Oysters.

The cellar door address is 321 Marion Bay Rd, Bream Creek. 

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

McLaren Vale gains a new wine tourism destination

McLaren Vale has a new destination for wine lovers with Dandelion Vineyards opening the Wonder Room, which is billed as "more than just a cellar door.".

Zar and Elena Brooks throw open the doors to the Wonder Room today.

Located on top of the ancient ridge of Firehawk Farm, the Wonder Room will offer visitors 180 degree views of the Firehawk Farm vineyard, the slopes of McLaren Vale, the Gulf of St Vincent and the Willunga Escarpment.

"We've dreamed of opening our Wonder Room ever since we started Dandelion Vineyards some 15 years ago," says winemaker and co-founder Elena Brooks.

"Firehawk Farm is the perfect location for visitors to experience our vineyard, region, and taste through our award-winning wines."

An old tractor shed has been repurposed to create a space "that seamlessly blends rustic features, warm tones, and clean lines".

The exterior steps are a standout feature of the Wonder Room, providing visitors with a comfortable place to sit and take in the views.

“The design takes in the natural assets of the location, and the re-use of the building highlights like none other what can be achieved through adaptive architecture,” says Elena Brooks.

With the opening, Dandelion Vineyards has also announced the appointment of chef Chris Bone to curate a selection of food offerings.

"Dandelion Vineyards' focus on single-vineyard wines and Firehawk Farm's biodynamic certification aligns perfectly with my approach to cooking and what I look for when showcasing ingredients," says Bone.

"Learning about Elena's Bulgarian heritage and food culture has revealed a great connection between my way of thinking as a chef and the traditional techniques of growing, pickling, and preserving. I'm excited to showcase the stunning produce of Firehawk Farm and beyond, to create memorable food for the wine experiences."

Visitors to the Wonder Room can choose from three tasting tiers, priced at $33, $66, and $99.

The top-tier tasting offers visitors the opportunity to explore premium wines and rare museum releases.

The team recommends allowing 75 minutes for the tasting experience.

See www.dandelionvineyards.com.au