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/

Giant sculpture pays tribute to indigenous women

I have no intention of going anywhere near the US while it is being run by Agent Orange. 

I am, therefore, most unlikely to find myself in South Dakota. 

If I did, perchance, I would probably want to see this giant stainless steel sculpture, which was highlighted this week as a hidden gem by a former colleague. 

It is called Dignity and was created by artist Dale Lamphere to honour the women of the Sioux Nation.

The 15-metre plus artwork gazes across the waters of the Missouri River. 

During the day, the South Dakota winds brush the diamonds in her star quilt, causing blue shades to twinkle in the sunlight. At night, she stands illuminated. 

It is said the more than 100 blue diamond shapes move in the wind "like an Aspen leaf".

The Dignity statue is described as "a stunning combination of art and history". 

You'll find her located on a bluff between exits 263 and 265 on Interstate 90 near the small town of Chamberlain (takes a quick look at Google Maps). 

The giant piece honours the cultures of the Lakota and Dakota people and is a highlight of the Native American Scenic Byway.

Norm and Eunabel McKie of Rapid City announced their gift of Dignity to the state of South Dakota in 2014, in honour of the 125th anniversary of South Dakota statehood.

"Dignity represents the courage, perseverance and wisdom of the Lakota and Dakota culture in South Dakota," says the artist. 

"My hope is that the sculpture might serve as a symbol of respect and promise for the future."

The US could certainly use a little dignity right now. 

Walk into the past with Jurassic creatures

Queensland's Capricorn Coast is now home to a new tourim attraction where visitors can walk into the past with lifelike Jurassic creatures.

There are 30 life-sized prehistoric giants who have made their home at the Capricorn Dinosaur Park Yeppoon, which has just opened its doors to the public.

The 5-acre development is located adjacent to Cooberrie Park Wildlife Sanctuary in Woodbury on the coast of Central Queensland.

There is kilometre long walking trail and dinosaur fossil dig after a $800,000 investment from the Queensland Government's Growing Tourism Infrastructure Fund. 

“We are so proud to now combine our three unique experiences in one spot including Cooberrie Park Wildlife Sanctuary, Capricorn Dinosaur Mini Golf and Capricorn Dinosaur Park,” said operator Kieron Smedley.

“In 2023, we are celebrating the 50th birthday of Cooberrie Park Wildlife Sanctuary, so we believe to double the attraction size on the property this year is a massive achievement for both our family and the entire Capricorn Coast community.”

The Capricorn Dinosaur Park is the first private major tourism attraction built in Central Queensland for more than 30 years and will be open daily from 10am-3pm.

Capricorn Enterprise CEO Mary Carroll said the new experience "will further complement our strong and growing destination".

“Cooberrie Park Wildlife Sanctuary has been a drawcard for our destination for 50 years now, and we are absolutely thrilled to see the Capricorn Dinosaur Park take its final step forward and open to the public,” she said.

Sink your teeth into more information here: https://capricorndinosaurpark.com.au/