Every glass of Tahbilk wine offers a sip of history

Every glass of Tahbilk wine is like a sip of Australian wine history.

Established in 1860 in the Nagambie Lakes region of Victoria, the Tahbilk winery is not only classified by the National Trust but still produces wine from shiraz vines planted 165 years ago.

Tahbilk is a founding member of Australia's First Families of Wine and is the current James Halliday Annual winery of the year.

The Purbrick family, owners of Tahbilk, tend to do things with understated style. Late last year, to mark the 150th birthday of their 1860s Vines Shiraz, they held a tasting and lunch at iconic Melbourne restaurant Vue de Monde.

With back vintages showing both how well the elegant style ages, and how the 2010 may be one of the greatest vintages of the $275-a-bottle red, current winemaker Alister Purbrick is following a tradition that began when his great-great grandfather Reginald Purbrick purchased the Tahbilk property in 1925.

Tahbilk Estate, the oldest family-owned winery in Victoria, is one of Australia's most beautiful and historic vineyard properties. Some 120km north of Melbourne, it comprises 1,214 hectares of the richest river flats in the region.

The Purbicks are straight shooters, too. When asked why recent releases are under screw cap, Alister said: “Because I hate cork; hate it with a passion for what it can do to wine.”

Three generations: John, Haley and Alister Purbrick  

The good news for wine drinkers is that in addition to icons like the 1860 Vines Shiraz, of which a maximum of 150 dozen are made each year, often less, Tahbilk also produces a range of wines, most of them featuring Rhone varietals, that are priced for everyday enjoyment.

There is a venerable block of the white grape marsanne that was planted in 1927. Now the fifth generation of the family is involved and today Tahbilk has the largest plantings of marsanne anywhere in the world. In addition to the standard release, Tahbilk also releases a wine made exclusively from the 1927 vines as an aged release.

Also check out the delicious 2014 Tahbilk Roussanne Marsanne Viognier, another astutely-judged wine.

In addition to the Rhone whites, the 200 hectares under vine include Rhone reds; shiraz, grenache and mourvedre. Also planted are more traditional varieties cabernet sauvignon, merlot, cabernet franc, chardonnay, riesling, semillon, sauvignon blanc and verdelho and, with a nod to the new that you'd expect from a carbon-neutral producer; tempranillo and savagnin.

For details see: www.tahbilk.com.au

Always a favourite: Thailand never goes out of fashion

Maybe it is the smiles of the welcoming locals. Perhaps it is the spicy, affordable food. Or maybe the beautiful beaches. Or perhaps the party atmosphere. Or even the great shopping, or the cheap massages.

Whatever motivates you to visit Thailand, it seems the world shares your enthusiasm. 

The first MasterCard's Asia Pacific Destinations Index for 2015, an offshoot of the annual Global Destination Cities Index, revealed that Bangkok topped the most popular city list with 21.9 million international overnight visitors, representing a 28.6% growth over the previous year. 

It also topped the total nights stayed by international tourists with a cumulative 107 million nights and also topped the total amount spent at US$15.2 billion.

When comparing with destination cities in the Asia-Pacific, Bangkok retained its position at No.1. That ranking has remained unchanged since 2013 when the Thai capital became the first Asian city to top the global list.

It is followed by Phuket which recorded 9.3 million, or a 15.5 per cent growth, and Pattaya, which saw 8.1 million, a 10% growth, in international overnight visitors in 2015. 

These figures are remarkable given Thailand has encountered natural disasters and recent political upheaval. 

Euromonitor International, meanwhile, has released its fifth annual survey on 'Top 100 City Destinations' in terms of international tourist arrivals in 2014. 

Its 'Top 100 City Destinations Ranking' reported on January 28, named three Thai destinations among the world's top 25 with Bangkok coming in fourth, followed by Phuket in 17th spot and Pattaya 19th.

Dr Yuthasak Supasorn, governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) said: “We are honoured to be recognised by two of the world's most prestigious organisations. Despite the challenges we had to go through in 2015, global travellers remain confident in our country and made a decision to make Thailand their travel destination.”

Bangkok is well-known among international travellers for a variety of shopping choices, authentic Thai food, cultural heritage, lively nightlife, and beautiful historical attractions, while Pattaya and Phuket are both famous beach resort cities.

In 2015, the Thai tourism industry hit the highest record in its history, receiving tourism revenue of 1.4 trillion Baht or a 23 per cent year-on-year increase, and attracting 29.8 million international tourist arrivals or an increase of 20 per cent over 2014. 

# For bookings before February 29, Thai Airways fares from Australia start from $652 for travel to Bangkok from Perth; or from $757 from Melbourne, Sydney or Brisbane (seasonal surcharges apply); Royal Silk Business Class starts from $3,231; or from $3,839 from the East Coast. See www.thaiairways.com 

A New Zealand gem that is often overlooked

Think of visiting vineyards in New Zealand and your mind probably turns to the sauvignon blanc paridise of Marlborough, the pinot noirs of Central Otago, or perhaps the syrahs of Hawke's Bay.

Tucked away on the East Coast, a few hours' drive north of Hawke's Bay is another alternative; the historic town of Gisborne, home to cellar doors including Matawhero, Millton and Vinoptima, among others.

Chardonnay thrives here; and there are is also an impressive range of alternative varieties. 

Gisborne is the birthplace of modern New Zealand, where Captain Cook first landed and encountered fierce Maori warriors. Around 50% of Gisborne's population claims Maori heritage.

Sitting between the Poverty Bay flats and the Pacific Ocean, Gisborne is a small, attractive city that's home to surf beaches, and is surrounded by countryside that is popular with walkers and adventurers. 

Gisborne is the the third-largest wine region in New Zealand and in addition to chardonnay look out for gewuratraminer, viognier, merlot and a range of other varieties.

Locals say that Gisborne is a "place where things happen first" and that it is "not isolated, but is exclusive".

Try albarino from Coopers Creek, ultra-expensive gewurztraminer from Vinoptima, marsanne from 747 Estate, a rose made from sangiovese and montepulciano from Bushmere Estate, or maybe a malbec from Hihi or a chenin blanc from Matawhero.

There is a good range to be tasted at the Gisborne Wine Centre, overlooking the working harbour. 

For superbly crafted biodynamic wines, and a couple of natural offerings, Millton is a lovely destination, or sample a late harvest semillon at Wrights. 

Among the best places to stay is the self-catering Portside (above), with its pool overlooking the inner harbour and a short stroll to the city precinct and restaurants and cafes. There is a choice of hotel rooms or one- or two-bedroom apartments, all well equipped for short or long stays with TVs, stereo systems, air-conditioning, kitchens, spacious bathrooms and free wifi. 

Downtown, the Quality Hotel Emerald and Conference Centre is sited around an attractive pool and overlooks the river. 

Gourmets will enjoy the Gisborne Farmers Market, held every Saturday morning opposite the local museum. 

For further details visit www.outeast.co.nz 

Air New Zealand flies from all Australian capital cities to New Zealand. For more information and to book please visit www.airnewzealand.com.au

Qantas flies high with new gourmet offerings

Qantas is big on adding value for its frequent flyers; and already has strong support for its EpiQure food and wine community, which holds regular tastings and offers wines at discounted prices. 

Qantas this week also announced the launch of the new food range, which includes more than 60 products from producers in Australia’s leading wine and gourmet regions.

Featuring goodies from the likes of my Tasmanian neighbours Bruny Island Cheese and Tas-Saff saffron, the new program provides another opportunity for frequent flyers to earn and spend their Qantas points on delicious tasting goodies.

Qantas epiQure members earn three Qantas points per dollar on the Qantas epiQure’s food and wine range, while Qantas frequent flyers earn one Qantas point on equivalent purchases. Purchases can be made using Qantas points or cash.

The expansion of Qantas epiQure follows a year of significant growth with wine orders more than doubling during the past 12 months and the product range increasing by 33%, delivering more choice to members.

Head of Qantas epiQure Lisa Hudson said food and wine are second only to travel as an interest of Qantas frequent flyer members so it made sense to introduce a food range for Qantas epiQure.

“Good food and quality wine go hand in hand and we’re excited to be offering our members a new gourmet food range to accompany the top quality wines they’re already enjoying,” she said.

The food range, which includes oils and vinegars, wild honey and truffles, has been curated exclusively from wine-growing regions. Like the boutique wines on offer, in many cases the food producers are small family businesses in regional towns.

“As Australia’s national carrier, we are passionate about championing the fantastic food and wine products that come out of our own backyard. Launching a food component as part of Qantas epiQure is another way for us to celebrate excellence and the unique offerings of some of our Australian producers," Hudson said.

"We’re passionate about delivering the best gourmet experiences on board, as well as to our loyal frequent flyer members at home.”

A new mobile app is on the way but in the meantime visit 
www.qantasepiqure.com.au 

# The author has written for the Qantas epiQure website.

The magic of Marlborough

It is just a 12-minute hop, skip and jump from Wellington across Cook Strait on Air New Zealand before you find yourself in the attractive town of Blenheim, capital of the Marlborough wine region.

You can, of course, also take a four-journey described as one of most beautiful ferry rides in the world on the Interislander from the New Zealand capital, but you would miss out on flying over some of most intensively planted vineyards anywhere on the globe. 

Marlborough is the world capital of sauvignon blanc, and this week hosted Sauvignon Blanc 2016, attended by close to 400 delegates from around the world. 

Just 30 years ago no-one had heard of Marlborough sauvignon blanc. This week it was announced that New Zealand's wine exports now total $1.54 billion a year, 80% of that sum made up of Marlborough savvy. 

"It was Marlborough sauvignon blanc that first introduced New Zealand wine to the world," says Philip Gregan, the long-time chief executive of New Zealand Winegrowers. "It is the platform on which our reputation is built."

Today, Marlborough draws wine-loving tourists from around the globe to cellar doors like Cloudy Bay, Seresin Estate, Brancott Estate and Spy Valley, or more rustic experiences like Te Whare Ra and Clos Henri. 

This week I am staying at the rather nifty four-star Marlborough Scenic Hotel, situated on pretty Seymour Square in the centre of town. 

Think comfortable, well-equipped rooms, friendly staff and a rathet good restaurant in Mondrians, where I enjoyed an excellent mushroom risotto, a fish dish made from local gurnard and, of course, a couple of glasses of sauvignon blanc.

There are 54 rooms here, all with some satellite TV channels, free high-speed wifi, minibar, desk, clock radio with IPad dock, safe and tea and coffee facilities. 

Unless you are able to spring for the unashamed lodge luxury of the Small Luxury Hotels property Lake Timara Lodge, outside town and surrounded by gorgeous gardens, it is an excellent accommodation choice. 

Blenheim dining choices range from the delightful Art Deco d'Urville Hotel to newcomer Armour in the vines, while Mango serves seriously hot Indian and Malaysian cuisine. To sample an excellent range of Kiwi wines, head for Scotch Wine Bar, which is about to open a bottle shop.

Scenic Hotel Marlborough, cnr Alfred and Henry streets, Blenheim 7240, New Zealand. +64 3 520 6187. www.scenichotels.co.nz 

Air New Zealand flies from all Australian capital cities to New Zealand. For more information and to book please visit www.airnewzealand.com.au

The perfect base from which to explore Queenstown and Central Otago

When you throw open your curtains at the St Moritz Hotel in Queenstown, you are greeted by the most marvellous views of azure blue Lake Wakatipu and the distant mountain range of the Southern Alps. 

If you are lucky, the glorious old steamship MSS Earnslaw may be passing your window. 

But it is not just the views that make the hotel such a great base; it is the staff - a multi-national force of smiling and efficient young people from France, England, Brazil, Canada, Japan, Argentina and even a few New Zealanders.

Formerly the Grand Mercure, now the M Gallery St Moritz and soon to be re-branded the M Gallery by Sofitel St Moritz, the hotel is modelled on a European-style ski chalet, and is perched on a hill just a very short stroll from downtown Queenstown and a quick drive from the closest of vineyards; Amisfield and Chard Farm among them.

It is a boutique-style five-star property in the lodge style; there are porters to help you carry your bags and park your car; a concierge to help organise your itinerary and extremely comfortable rooms (if a little stuffy when you enter).

There are all those little five-star touches; an onsite So Spa for pampering; an excellent restaurant in Lombardi that serves everything from fine dining al a carte choices to gourmet pizzas and an adjacent bar that specialises in flights of Central Otago pinots.

The bar serves light lunches and tapas in the afternoon and some mighty cocktails. I like the nice touch of home-baked cookies in the room after check-in. 

There are just 134 rooms and suites here, and with them being spread over four floors, it feels like far less. 

Guests can choose between standards rooms with satellite TV, iPad docking stationsa, tea and coffee-making facilities, minibar, and ultra-comfortable beds, or apartment-style alpine suites with kitchenettes, large lounge and dining areas and sofa beds. There are also 27 two-bedroom apartments. If you want those views, you need to book in advance, and possibly pay a supplement. 

Like just about everything else here, it is worth it. 

St Moritz, 10-18 Brunswick Street, Queenstown, Central Otago, New Zealand. 
+64 3 442 4990. www.stmoritz.co.nz. 

# The writer was a guest of Central Otago Pinot Noir