Discover a weekend showcase of some of the best of Tasmania

Calling all lovers of cool-climate wines from Tasmania.

Get set for Spring In The Vines, a three-day weekend event showcasing some of Tasmania's best wines from regions including the Coal River Valley, Derwent Valley, Huon Valley/Channel.

There is new new growth in the vineyards right now and to coincide with bud burst and blossoms over 40 wineries across traditional regions in southern Tasmania will be participating from October 31-November 2, along with their counterparts from the emerging Tasman Peninsula. 

Think a landscape where vineyards share the space with orchards, rivers, farms, forests, the coast and wild hilltops and mountains. And where pinot noir, chardonnay and other grape varieties thrive.

The line-up of producers involved include first timers in Caledon Estate, Bear and Bird Wines and  Chatto Wines, along with well-known brands like Frogmore Creek, Pooley Wines and Nocton Vineyard, Kate Hill Wines, Mewstone Vineyard, and Bangor Vineyard Shed and Bream Creek on the Peninsula. 

 
Among the vinous treats on offer will be new-release wines available for the first time, rare back vintages made available and other drinks, like Lost Pippin Cider and craft spirits at Charles Reuben Estate. 

Several of the producers do not have cellar doors and open only once or twice a year, and at most you will have the chance to talk to the people who grow the fruit and make the wines. 

Some spaces will be offering live music, art displays and seasonal food.

“This is a fabulous opportunity to enjoy the beauty of southern Tasmania winemaking 
in a most intimate and convivial way," says Mark McNamara of Merriworth Wines, the president of Wine South.. 

"Every winery in our expanding community is a destination worthy of the touring journey. As Spring In The Vines continues to grow we anticipate record numbers of wine lovers."

One winery getting into the spirit of the event is Charles Reuben in the Coal River Valley which will offers Rannoch Quail by Grazing Daisy & Co. on the Saturday and Sunday, Tasmanian charcuterie, cheese, and chocolate, paired with their wines, Tasmanian aged brandy, port and eaux de vie.

They also have music from CRUM (Coal River Ukulele Mob) on the Saturday and folk duo 

The Rusticators on the Sunday. 

For a full list of participating wineries and their offerings visit www.winesouth.com.au

Images: Dearna Bond

Head south for some exclusive gourmet experiences

Time spent on the New South Wales south coast is always time well spent and the Shoalhaven Food Network has just announced a new reason to hit the region.

The Shoalhaven Gourmet Getaway will be an an innovative long weekend tour as part of the Autumn Celebration of Food.

Starting by rail from Central Station, Sydney, on Friday, May 31, the event offers food enthusiasts an all-inclusive trip through the Shoalhaven’s gastronomic landscape.

The adventure begins with a “picnic” lunch for the train journey.

Guests will then enjoy visits to some of the region’s top restaurants and venues, including Farmgate in Nowra, Cupitt’s Estate in Milton, Ponte Bar and Dining in Nowra, Swordfish Brewery in Sussex Inlet, Ramox and Gallery at Bundanon, a Jervis Bay Mussels Cruise in Huskisson, and the delights of Berry.

 "Comfortable accommodation" and door-to-door coach transport are promised.

Event Highlights include the Ponte and Pasta Buoy Collaboration Event: a four-course dinner by former The Ledbury chef Sam Smith (a local boy made good) and Thiago De Paiva Menezes (owner, operator and sommelier of Ponte).

There will also be an Indigenous Food and Cultural Experience with Doug Innes-Will at Ramox in Bundanon, and a long lunch at Cupitt’s Estate Winery (above) with a three-course meal hosted by Rosie Cupitt with matched local wines.

Only 40 places are available. The price is $1400-$1700 (inclusive of accommodation, transport, activities and dining). Bookings: www.shoalhavenfoodnetwork.com.au

For additional details about the Shoalhaven Gourmet Getaway and the 2024 Autumn Celebration of Food, visit website: www.shoalhavenfoodnetwork.com.au

Take a trip back in time for one weekend only

Take a journey back in time when Sydney’s Central Station is briefly transformed to a bygone era. 

The return of the annual Transport Heritage Expo this October long weekend (September 30-October 2) will give visitors the chance to enjoy heritage train, bus and steam boat rides across the city. 

There will also be unique experiences at Central station, including tours of the clock tower and tea on board a 1960s dining carriage.

“The Transport Heritage Expo is a rare and exciting opportunity for people to journey back in time and immerse themselves in our state’s rich transport history,” said Transport Heritage NSW CEO, Andrew Moritz.

“This year, we’re fortunate to display some incredible pieces from the state collection, including three rarely seen passenger carriages, which were first introduced to the NSW Government Railways in the 1890s.”

Highlights of the Transport Heritage Expo will be a one-hour steam train ride to Hurstville and return, a trip on a vintage electric train and a ride on a timber-bodied railmotor on a tour of the Botany freight line.

Vintage bus rides will include "a 29-minute round trip of the Sydney CBD aboard a lovingly restored vintage double-decker bus from the Sydney Bus Museum". That's a pretty precise time frame given Sydney traffic! 

There will also be 45-minute harbour cruise on a choice of the Waratah or Lady Hopetoun – two 120-year-old veterans of Sydney Harbour.

Tickets are on sale now at www.transportheritageexpo.com or by calling 1300 115599.

Images: Steve Burrows