Meet the new wine release that is also a work of art

Following the successful opening of the d’Arenberg Cube in McLaren Vale, the winery continues to challenge convention with the re-design and launch of a new product that is available exclusively for purchase at cellar door. 

The Daddy Long Legs Extra Rare is a fortified wine, described as "wonderfully rich and concentrated, hand bottled, and released only in tiny quantities". 

Fourth-generation family member, Chester Osborn, who assumed the position of chief winemaker at d’Arenberg in 1984, set aside 15 barrels of very old, high-quality fortified wine at that time. 

These barrels were left to slowly mature, topped up when necessary, using only the same carefully aged wine. 

With an average wine age of over 50 years, only two barrels remain, with 50 bottles available in the first release of this wine. 

The solera of old wines that contribute to The Daddy Long Legs has been going since 1928. 

A blend of grenache, shiraz and mataro, the wine is presented in an octagonal box, the bottle resting upon eight legs, The Daddy Long Legs is available exclusively at d’Arenberg’s cellar door. It retails at $500 for a 100ml bottle.

Given the price, probably more a collectors' item than a quick Friday night drink. 

New luxury hotel opens its doors in Tasmania

Visitors to Tasmania have a new luxury accommodation option with the opening of the new Peppers Silo Hotel in Launceston. 

Originally erected in 1960, the Kings Wharf grain silos were left unused for decades until two years ago when construction began to breathe new life into the structures, transforming the silo barrels into a state-of-the-art new hotel.

The redeveloped site is now a 10-level hotel featuring 108 guest rooms, including 52 inside the barrels of the former silos, a restaurant and bar called Grain of the Silos, undercover car parking, conference facilities and an integrated lobby and reception space.

Located on the edge of the River Tamar and close to dramatic Cataract Gorge, the once unused silo barrels have transformed into a $25-million property, which features one- and two-bedroom apartments.

Amenities on-site include a gym, day spa, child-minding facilities, hairdressing salon, function centre, private dining rooms, restaurant and cocktail bar.

For all day dining options, Grain of the Silos, is the property’s on-site restaurant and bar, which is open to the public for breakfast, lunch and dinner and features a range meal options, focused on local Tasmanian produce and supporting local farmers and producers.

There are two driving forces heading up the kitchen, with head chef Peter Twitchett and food director and TV personality Massimo Mele, who is overseeing the menu in an advisory role. 

Both chefs recently completed a food tour, meeting all of the producers they will be working with to source local ingredients, while wine educator Curly Haslam-Coates has curated the wine list. 

Peppers Silo has also worked closely with Guide Dogs Tasmania to employ a canine ambassador called Archie, a black Labrador who resides at the hotel and helps the concierge with daily tasks such as greeting guests and delivering the morning newspapers.

Owner and developer Errol Stewart said Launceston was in need of new tourism projects and has a shortage of hotel rooms in summer.

“I am proud of what we have delivered and I believe this building will continue to be iconic for Launceston for years to come,” he said. 

To celebrate the official opening, Peppers Silo has launched a special opening rate from $199 per night including breakfasts and wifi. 

Peppers Silo is located at 89-91 Lindsay Street, Launceston. 
www.peppers.com.au/silo. 

Yes, you can still find a very decent hotel for $25 a night

Many visitors to south-east Asia, particularly Thailand, Vietnam and Indonesia, opt for the safety of a chain hotel when they travel.

This might mean splashing out $150 for a spic-and-span medium-brand option, or up to a couple of thousand a night for an absolute beachfront ultra-luxury property with hot and cold running butlers.

If, however, you are planning to spend most of your holiday on the beach or exploring islands and temples then you may be using your hotel room mainly for sleeping.

My recent stint in Thailand demonstrated how comfortable double rooms with air-conditioning can still be procured for 300 baht a night (around $12.50, but down a dingy alley) and seriously good western style hotels can cost as little as $25 per night.

In fact, I've been paying $25 a night for the past week and what is my discovery of the year so far: the Crystal Beach Hotel in Patong, Phuket.

Located on a laneway just 100 metres from the beach, the Crystal Beach met all my search conditions: air-con, double bed (not two singles pushed together), free wifi, swimming pool and central location. Even a balcony.



I paid $33 for two nights via an on line booking service then negotiated the hotel down to $25 a night so long as I paid cash.

The Crystal Beach might not be for everyone. It is on a busy soi with massage shops and restaurants, so can have some evening noise if you are on lower floors (I had no problem on the fourth).

It also does not have its own restaurant but with dozens on your doorstep that is not an issue.



Your a probably thinking what is the hitch? A shared bathroom perhaps? Nope. My room had its own shower, toilet and basin, hairdryer, soaps, shampoos and body washes.

The bedroom also boasted a small fridge, a phone, in-room safe and kettle, as well as several well-located power points and good lighting. There is a TV with several overseas channels (I watched the end of Richmond-Essendon last night).

And the room was serviced every day with fresh sheets and towels. The rooftop pool (free towels at reception) was a refreshing delight with excellent views. The hotel has 24-hour reception and security, a tour desk and laundry service. The elevator is modern and efficient.



Jungceylon shoppping centre is about an eight-minute walk away and the madness of the bars and discos of Bangla Road a similar distance.

All the photos used here are mine, taken this week.

What more could you ask for $25 a night?

The Crystal Beach, 212/4-7 Soi Keb Sub, Rat-U-Tid 200 Pee Rd, Patong, Phuket, 83150. +66 76 340 342. www.thecrystalbeachhotel.com.

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A special winter treat for cheese lovers unveiled in Melbourne

Calling all cheese lovers.

As a cheesy take on its popular high teas, The Westin Melbourne is working with Prahran's Maker & Monger to deliver High Cheese.

Launching on Monday, June 11, and running throughout winter, High Cheese will offer cheeses featured in both sweet and savoury dishes.

Westin executive chef Michael Greenlaw has worked closely with Anthony Femia from Maker & Monger to source what he describes as a 'best in show' of cheeses from across the world to be part of the High Cheese line-up.



High Cheese swaps out traditional scones and cream for scones served with creamed Giorgio Cravero Reggiano, a leading Reggiano affineur. Other classics include tiramisu with a cheesy twist and cannoli with a ricotta filling.

For extreme cheese lovers High Cheese will be serving up whole-baked Normandy Camembert with mini baguettes you can rip apart and dip into the cheesy goodness, or basil crème fraiche-layered Brie with crackers.

Other dishes include Carles Roquefort & Cognac served with pain d'epices, Holy Goat Organic Skyla strawberry and thyme mille-feuille drizzled with honey, and fresh figs stuffed with sweet Gorgonzola served with natural honeycomb.



High Cheese is $70 per person and available seven days a week from 4pm. Those wanting to match wine with their cheese, there will be varieties available per glass from Ten Minutes by Tractor, Shaw+Smith or port from Penfolds.

“We're excited to be collaborating with Maker & Monger on High Cheese, bringing cheese to the forefront, and offering guests something different and warming this winter," said Greenlaw.

High Cheese will be served daily from June 11 until August 31. Bookings can be made by contacting the hotel on (03) 9635 2222 or online at www.westinmelbourne.com/highcheese.

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So you've always dreamed about buying a vineyard and tourism business in Tasmania?

Buying a vineyard and tourism business based on a small farm in Tasmania is a dream for many mainlanders. 

There is a chance to turn that dream into reality with Glendale, hidden among the hills of the Tamar Valley, just placed on the market. 

The property has been operating successfully as Wines For Joanie and comprises timber buildings steeped in history, rolling green hills, small vineyard and untouched natural bush. 

The property currently generates multiple streams of income through its boutique accommodation, cellar door, wedding venue, wine grape production and grazing. 

Historic timber buildings on the 56.7 hectare property include the Stables, built in 1890, the first apple shed constructed in the early 1900s, a cottage built for prisoners of war in World War II, a large apple shed, now a wedding venue, and a recently renovated four-bedroom post-war era family home.

The owners are moving back to Queensland to take care of older family members.

Key features include three separate titles, 1.65 hectares of vines (pinot noir/gruner veltliner) with capacity for further expansion on 10 hectares and 50 hectares of grazing land. 

Plenty of power and water is available on site. 

Glendale is at Sidmouth, approximately 30 minutes from Launceston and around 45 minutes to Launceston airport and Devonport. 

The property is situated along the Tamar Valley Wine Route. 

"We are not necessarily selling the Wine For Joannie brand, as we expect someone with true passion for a business such as this will want to leave their own mark, but it’s an option for the right person," says owner Prue O'Shannessy. 

"We do believe that regardless of the exact future of the business we’ve created a very solid footing and guaranteed income with the work we have done to date.

"We leave this place reluctantly. It has been an incredible chapter of our lives, and although we would have continued happily well into the future, we are needed in Queensland." 

Contact Martin O'Byrne of Roberts Real Estate on 0417 594 960 and tell him Winsor sent you. 

Melbourne waterfront welcomes a pop-up fire garden for winter

The Common Man, on Melbourne's South Wharf, has opened a pop-up Fire Garden aimed at keeping patrons toasty warm during winter. 

To be officially launched on June 10, the Fire Garden contains several open fire pits aimed to keep patrons warm and cosy down on the Promenade.

The pop-up will also include a range of drink specials, custom food menu and entertainment. 

The Fire Garden is built on The Common Lawn, a large exterior lawned area on the South Wharf Promenade. A pair of shipping containers, classic Airstream bar, a range of campfire seats, fire pits, heaters and more create the setting; while blankets are on offer to add that extra touch of relaxation for the brisk (read bloody cold) Melbourne winters.

Craft beer brewers James Squire have created a custom beer menu (with rotisserie and smoked meats) for the pop-up, coupled with five of their award winning beers available on tap and as tasting paddles. 

Redbank have a wide selection of their wines on special just for the event, while Aberlour and Glenlivet are providing extra warmth with whisky flights on offer as well as Boilermaker cocktails. 

The Fire Garden will also play host to a rotating group of musicians performing live music.

The launch party is being held on Queens Birthday eve from 4.30pm. All attendees will be treated to beer and food tastings, live music and door prizes.

“We are really excited to be offering a unique experience here at the wharf, a place where guests can enjoy the winter days and evenings looking at the city and stars indulging in some heartwarming food, without having to be tucked away inside somewhere,” said GM Sam Shaw. 

Further information at www.thecommonman.com.au. RSVP to the launch party at: http://www.thecommonman.com.au/fire-garden/