Tourists left stranded at Inca ruins

Imagine being unable to leave one of the most dramatic spots on the planet.

That is the fate of hundreds of foreign tourists who have been stranded near the Inca ruins of Machu Picchu due to violent protests raging across Peru.

The train services linking to the world-famous attraction have been suspended because of the growing civil unrest and tourists unable or unwilling to trek across the Inca trail are in limbo.

Local officials say about 800 tourists are stranded, Travel Mole reports, and food shortages are anticipated.

The tourists are currently holed up in the town, formerly known as Aguas Calientes, at the foot of the mountain, which is about 70 miles from Cusco. It is a magical spot that I visited a few years ago, although some of the local treks are not designed for unfit wine writers. 

The train is the only way to get to Cusco other than on foot, or by air - and the airport is also closed.

Peruvian protests were triggered after the arrest of ex-president Pedro Castillo.

The town’s mayor Darwin Baca Leon has called for the government to send helicopters to help evacuate the stranded tourists.

Images: Winsor Dobbin 

New wine tastes for cottagers

Emma's Cottage is a much-loved gourmet destination in the Hunter Valley - and a popular spot for wine lovers to spend a weekend away.

Emma's Cottage changed hands recently and is now part of the fast-growing Mulpha Group, which also owns nearby Bimbadgen Estate.

The Emmas's Cottage cellar door has just started selling a new range of wines under the Alter label, made by Bimbadgen winemaker Richard Done, but crafted in some different styles.

The two wines I have tried were a savoury 2021 shiraz-pinot blend - a combo once hugely popular in the Hunter - solid value at $28 - and a 2019 semillon, just starting to show some mature characters but also with some bright acidity ($38). 

The Emma's Cottage vineyard wine under the Alter label are described as "contemporary Hunter wines".

Done said the Alter range has been in the planning for some time. 

“We have been wanting to diversify our wine offering to enable us to showcase a modern interpretation of popular Hunter Valley grapes, with the range including a non-vintage sparkling, vintage Blanc de blancs, semillon, chardonnay, rosé and shiraz.”

To celebrate the new brand, the labels (above) have been created by Australian fabric and wallpaper designer Annie Coop.

Emma’s Cottage, which has been in operation for over 40 years and was a regional tourism pioneer, continues to offer five accommodation options.

“The new range of Alter wines will complement our accommodation, newly refurbished cellar door and gift store," says estate co-ordinator Meg Adams.

"We also have plans underway to expand our cellar door to include a function space catering for up to 80 people, so it will be the perfect venue for intimate weddings, casual celebrations or larger events.”

For more details see https://emmascottage.com.au/

Europe set to ban single-use plastic toiletries in hotels

The European Commission is considering banning single-use plastic items in hotels.

The European Union body is talking about banning all miniature shampoo, lotion and shower gel bottles as part of new proposed rules on packaging and waste control, Travel Mole reports.

Hotels will be required to provide larger reusable pump-pack dispensers or do away with free toiletries.

“About 40% of all plastics and 50% of paper in the EU are used for packaging, according to a recent European Commission report.

“Without action, the EU would see a further 19% increase in packaging waste by 2030,” it says.

Several companies have already discontinued hotel single-use plastic items but the EU plan would mandate it across the the continent.

The proposal is set to be considered by the European Parliament soon.

The new rules will be aimed at limiting overpackaging, and ensure clear labels are on each product to support correct recycling procedures.

"For the industry, they will create new business opportunities, especially for smaller companies, decrease the need for virgin materials, boosting Europe's recycling capacity as well as making Europe less dependent on primary resources and external suppliers," the report says.

"They will put the packaging sector on track for climate neutrality by 2050."

It is a move that is part of the wider European Green Deal's Circular Economy Action Plan, which aims to make sustainable products the norm and all packaging recyclable by 2030.

The proposed ban would, of course, not affect the UK, which is no longer a member of the European Union.

Image: Jessica Lee, Scopio.

Breaking news: Winemaker of the Year named

Adam Wadewitz, who makes wines for Shaw + Smith, Tolpuddle and MMAD, has been named Winemaker of the Year 2022 by The Wine Magazine.

Wadewitz has spent the last 10 vintages as chief winemaker at Shaw + Smith in the Adelaide Hills, and Tolpuddle Vineyard in the Coal River Valley in Tasmania.

More recently, he has also made the MMAD Vineyard wines from Blewitt Springs.

Wadewitz’s first job was at Wirra Wirra before working vintages in the Napa Valley and then in the Jura in eastern France.

Back home, he spent time at Brokenwood in the Hunter Valley before completing his winemaking degree at Adelaide University.

Adam worked in Great Western from vintages 2006 to 2012, making the 2012 Jimmy Watson-winning Best’s Bin 1 Shiraz 2011 before moving back to his home state to work with Martin Shaw and Michael Hill Smith MW at Shaw + Smith in 2013.

He was dux of the Len Evans Tutorial in 2009 and is a respected wine show judge.

Wadewitz is now chief winemaker and joint-CEO of Shaw + Smith, having adding single vineyard wines to the range and overseen significant changes in farming practices including the move to more organic practices and certification.

Michael Hill Smith MW said: “Adam is a natural leader and deep thinker - a once-in-a-generation winemaker at the height of his powers.”

Peter Forrestal, chairman of judges, said: “Adam Wadewitz is collaborative, charismatic, supremely talented and at the top of his game. He has led a strong team at Shaw + Smith to undreamt of heights with the Adelaide Hills collection and revitalised an ancient Blewitt Springs vineyard with unique chenin, shiraz and grenache under the MMAD label.

@Ten vintages of the Tolpuddle wines has been enough to earn them a place in the top echelons of Australian wine, making them essential elements of any great Aussie wine list: iconic status awaits.”

Nadja Wallington of ChaLou was named as inspirational Young Winemaker of the Year, while . Viticulturist of the Year was awarded to Liz Riley of the Hunter Valley.

Dr Andrew Pirie AM of of Apogee in Tasmania was recognised for his tireless work for the wine industry, winning the Len Evans Award for Leadership.

Cleghorn signs on the dotted line at Mitchelton

Victorian winery Mitcheton has swooped to sign up Nat Cleghorn as chief winemaker after her brief stint at Katnook Estate in Coonawarra.

Cleghorn has 23 years of wine industry experience, most recently as senior winemaker and site manager at Accolade-owned Katnook.

She will start her new role at Nagmabie Lakes in early January, in time for the 2023 vintage.

“I am proud to be the new custodian of this historic Australian brand," Cleghorn said. I am excited to be given the opportunity to continue to tell the Mitchelton story by making phenomenal wines that deliver to the quality of yesteryear.

"I have always immersed myself in the regions from which I make my wines and I am looking forward to not only being a champion for Michelton, but also the Strathbogie region.”

A former track rider for the Hayes family at Lindsay Park, Cleghorn has been involved with Katnook Estate, Yalumba and Hill Smith Family’s Estate vineyards - with particular emphasis on Coonawarra.

Starting her winemaking journey at Oxford Landing Estates and Dalrymple, Cleghorn has also undertaken an international vintage at Clos Figueres in Priorat, Spain, and is also an experienced wine show judge.

Cleghorn will take over from current senior winemaker, Victor Nash, who has acted as caretaker over the last year, overseeing the 2022 vintage.

“We are extremely grateful for all the hard work and dedication that Victor has brought to the Mitchelton team over the last year. - he has set a great foundation for us to build on moving forward,” Mitchelton owner Gerry Ryan said.

“As we set our sights on the future, we are thrilled to have such a highly regarded winemaker at Mitchelton and we look forward to seeing our wine progression under Nat’s guidance.”

Cleghorn said: “I love allowing each vineyard, block and variety to speak its own story. I have a hands off approach as I am a believer that less is more,.

“I enjoy producing wines that are suitable for all tastes, including vegan consumers, and I am looking forward to bringing this style to Mitchelton. I am a passionate supporter of indigenous natural fermentation, both primary and malolactic, so I’m enthusiastic about how the vineyards and winery come to life.”

Since being planted in 1969, Mitchelton has become Central Victoria’s most iconic producer with labels including Preece, Mitchelton Estate, Blackwood Park and the newly introduced Gabriella Possum Nunguyarri Collection.

How and where to create your own bespoke spirits

Looking for a last-minute Christmas present for a spirits lover?

How about a gin or spiced brandy masterclass at Bass & Flinders Distillery on the Mornington Peninsula?

Guests are invited to roll up their sleeves and create their own bespoke spirit with guidance from one of Bass & Flinders' botanical advisors.

The classes include product tastings and the chance to create your own 500ml bottle of gin or spiced brandy to take home and impress friends.

Participants will learn about the history and product processes of distilling in small groups and taste their finished product with a fruit and cheese board.

The gin recipe is kept on file so customers can re-order their own gin to enjoy at home.

Bookings and gift vouchers (starting from $165 for brandy and $175 for gin) are available at bassandflindersdistillery.com.

Another option is the at-home gin masterclass experience that focuses on new flavours and aromas, distinctly different from masterclasses held on-site at the distillery.

The Native Botanicals Gin Masterclass Kit includes a range of individually flavoured spirits, also known as distillates, all at 40% ABV, 10 x 15ml jars of native Australian distillates, 15 ml of Coriander distillate, two bottles each with 35ml of juniper distillate, and aroma and flavour wheel, a dried botanicals test tube, a syringe and a tasting booklet, an instruction sheet with tips and tricks, a video tutorial and a 200ml bottle of tonic water. Also included is a 500ml bottle of your own bespoke gin which you will receive within approximately two weeks of finalising your recipe. 

The at-home kit costs $185.

Bass & Flinders is a family-owned and run distillery constantly developing new styles of gins, brandies and liqueurs.  

Bass & Flinders also has a wide range of spirits for sale, including an Eau de Vie, Ochre five-year-old brandy and gins, and hosts gin-inspired high teas.