Australia and New Zealand Wines and Wineries (Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah)
May 2nd, 2006, 04:28 PM
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Australia and New Zealand Wines and Wineries (Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah)
Hi, all,
I am heading to Sydney and NZ very soon and thought I'd seek advice on one final item: wines of Australia and NZ. Can any of you recommend wines (especially those varietals noted above) that you particularly enjoyed while traveling in these countries?
Also, if any of you visited wineries in Hunter Valley or Central Otago, any suggested winery visits (including any winery restaurants) would be great. Thanks so much.
John H.
I am heading to Sydney and NZ very soon and thought I'd seek advice on one final item: wines of Australia and NZ. Can any of you recommend wines (especially those varietals noted above) that you particularly enjoyed while traveling in these countries?
Also, if any of you visited wineries in Hunter Valley or Central Otago, any suggested winery visits (including any winery restaurants) would be great. Thanks so much.
John H.
May 2nd, 2006, 06:04 PM
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Hi John,
My name's Melodie and I'm an Australian / New Zealand Wine-a-Holic.
Lucky for you, I've done extensive research on this subject!
The very first thing that you should do is check your wine suppliers locally. Do you have a Trader Joe's where you're located? Or a really good wine merchant? Take several trips there and jot down what wines they offer and the prices.
This will direct you to what you may want to lug home and what you can purchase locally. For example, in my area, we have a Trader Joe's, and I can get the "big name" wineries here, so no need to carry anything back. In fact, I can get those cheaper than I can in Australia or New Zealand (because of the tax).
It's those "boutique" ones that you may fall in love with -- in that case you may want to stash a bottle or two in your carry on luggage to take home.
There's a ton of tour operators you can use from Sydney to the Hunter Valley. Anything from a motorcoach to a smaller van to a limo.
In NZ, I really like the Central Otago Wine Tour (the Gourmet Tour). My favorite NZ wine btw is "Cloudy Bay".
Hope this is helpful!
Regards,
Melodie
Certified Aussie & Kiwi Specialist
My name's Melodie and I'm an Australian / New Zealand Wine-a-Holic.
Lucky for you, I've done extensive research on this subject!
The very first thing that you should do is check your wine suppliers locally. Do you have a Trader Joe's where you're located? Or a really good wine merchant? Take several trips there and jot down what wines they offer and the prices.
This will direct you to what you may want to lug home and what you can purchase locally. For example, in my area, we have a Trader Joe's, and I can get the "big name" wineries here, so no need to carry anything back. In fact, I can get those cheaper than I can in Australia or New Zealand (because of the tax).
It's those "boutique" ones that you may fall in love with -- in that case you may want to stash a bottle or two in your carry on luggage to take home.
There's a ton of tour operators you can use from Sydney to the Hunter Valley. Anything from a motorcoach to a smaller van to a limo.
In NZ, I really like the Central Otago Wine Tour (the Gourmet Tour). My favorite NZ wine btw is "Cloudy Bay".
Hope this is helpful!
Regards,
Melodie
Certified Aussie & Kiwi Specialist
May 2nd, 2006, 07:32 PM
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I think Melodie is on the right track. Having once worked in the air cargo business I'd entrust wines to the airlines with some pessimism and adequate insurance, and I don't like the thought of lugging them around anyway.
Wines are produced across a vast area of Australia, each region with characteristics which favour certain grape varieties and styles (to state the bleeding obvious). Of course if you want to taste you must visit the winery, the downside being that you'll be exposed to a narrow range of the thousands of wines available. The Hunter Valley, e.g., may offer very good shiraz (that's what syrah is called here) but not necessarily great pinots. You may find Margaret River (Western Australia) or one of the eastern cool-climate regions a better bet there.
In Australia liquor stores are everywhere, some of them like the Dan Murphy's chain offering a very wide choice at prices very likely lower than the cellar door. While you don't get to taste what you're buying, price is a rough guide to quality. There are certainly many decent wines in the AU$15-20 (US$11-15) range, generally you're on much safer ground in the AU$20-40 (US$15-30) area. Beyond that you can get some very fine wines indeed, but the law of diminishing returns kicks in more strongly, I think.
Incidentally, screwcaps rather than corks are becoming more common - this is not in itself a pointer to low quality.
Hint: if you want to take back something uniquely Australian, buy a good sparkling shiraz. And while I think of it, the good fortified wines of the Rutherglen region of Victoria (eg Morris of liqueur muscat) are world-beaters.
If you'd like to get an idea of what each region offers, here are a couple of useful sites:
www.wineaustralia.com/
www.winediva.com.au/
Wines are produced across a vast area of Australia, each region with characteristics which favour certain grape varieties and styles (to state the bleeding obvious). Of course if you want to taste you must visit the winery, the downside being that you'll be exposed to a narrow range of the thousands of wines available. The Hunter Valley, e.g., may offer very good shiraz (that's what syrah is called here) but not necessarily great pinots. You may find Margaret River (Western Australia) or one of the eastern cool-climate regions a better bet there.
In Australia liquor stores are everywhere, some of them like the Dan Murphy's chain offering a very wide choice at prices very likely lower than the cellar door. While you don't get to taste what you're buying, price is a rough guide to quality. There are certainly many decent wines in the AU$15-20 (US$11-15) range, generally you're on much safer ground in the AU$20-40 (US$15-30) area. Beyond that you can get some very fine wines indeed, but the law of diminishing returns kicks in more strongly, I think.
Incidentally, screwcaps rather than corks are becoming more common - this is not in itself a pointer to low quality.
Hint: if you want to take back something uniquely Australian, buy a good sparkling shiraz. And while I think of it, the good fortified wines of the Rutherglen region of Victoria (eg Morris of liqueur muscat) are world-beaters.
If you'd like to get an idea of what each region offers, here are a couple of useful sites:
www.wineaustralia.com/
www.winediva.com.au/
May 2nd, 2006, 08:18 PM
#4
John -
Count me in as another NZ/OZ wine-a-holic.
In Central Otago we fell in love with an excellent Pinot Noir from Amisfield Winery. While pulling up their site just now I discovered that they've also been named best NZ Winery Restaurant of 2006 - an extra incentive to go check them out:
www.amisfield.co.nz
On a very recent trip to Victoria, we discovered a wonderful Shiraz - Clyde Park 2004, but were unable to find it again the entire trip. It's been my experience that there's just so much wine in OZ and NZ that it's often difficult to find a specific wine once you're outside that particular region (unless it from a HUGE winery).
The South Island of NZ is Sauvignon Blanc nirvana and you'll be spoiled for choice. On past trips we've really enjoyed the Sauvignon Blanc from Kahurangi Estate and Neudorf (near Nelson). Seifried Estate is also worth a visit as is nearby Waimea Estates, which has nice wine and a wonderful restaurant.
In Marlborough we've enjoyed the wines from Le Grys, St Clair, Cloudy Bay and Hunter's.
My wine chest is currently full of Palliser Estate 2001 Pinot Noir, which is from the Martinborough Region of NZ, a place I have yet to visit, but is on my "to do" list.
Count me in as another NZ/OZ wine-a-holic.
In Central Otago we fell in love with an excellent Pinot Noir from Amisfield Winery. While pulling up their site just now I discovered that they've also been named best NZ Winery Restaurant of 2006 - an extra incentive to go check them out:
www.amisfield.co.nz
On a very recent trip to Victoria, we discovered a wonderful Shiraz - Clyde Park 2004, but were unable to find it again the entire trip. It's been my experience that there's just so much wine in OZ and NZ that it's often difficult to find a specific wine once you're outside that particular region (unless it from a HUGE winery).
The South Island of NZ is Sauvignon Blanc nirvana and you'll be spoiled for choice. On past trips we've really enjoyed the Sauvignon Blanc from Kahurangi Estate and Neudorf (near Nelson). Seifried Estate is also worth a visit as is nearby Waimea Estates, which has nice wine and a wonderful restaurant.
In Marlborough we've enjoyed the wines from Le Grys, St Clair, Cloudy Bay and Hunter's.
My wine chest is currently full of Palliser Estate 2001 Pinot Noir, which is from the Martinborough Region of NZ, a place I have yet to visit, but is on my "to do" list.
May 2nd, 2006, 11:00 PM
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In NZ for Central Otago, I liked Gibbston Valley wines, particularly their sauv blanc, and also their cheese shop is great. If you are in Queenstown, make sure you go to the shop 'wine deli' in Queenstown - it's a super place and they can also help you choose some wines to buy or wineries to visit. (read below from the frommers site:
Raising Your Glass
By far the most knowledgeable wine retailer in Queenstown is Johann Small-Smith of Wine Deli, 40 Shotover St. (tel. 03/442-4482; www.winedeli.com). The store has a full range of Central Otago wines along with many from throughout New Zealand, and Johann knows all the rules and regulations involved in getting your wine home to the other side of the world. Don't overlook the selection of chocolates, cheeses, and salamis. Open daily 10am to 10pm.)
For Australia, I'd get my hands of a copy of one of the wine books - my favourite is James halliday's wine companion (but there are others). It gives overview on wines & wineries in each region. Also, at the Hunter Tourist Information Centre they produce a fantastic Wine Country 'brochure' (it's more like a book) which is also extremely useful. (you can request this from the website www.winecountry.com.au)
My picks in the Hunter, go for a mix of the bigger, well known and the smaller boutique ones.
I like:
- Ivanhoe wines (the shiraz pressings is an alltime fave, if you love big earthy hunter shiraz - someone once told us a mouthful of mud in every glass).
- mcleish estate (smaller, but lovely wines)
- audrey wilkinson (lovely cellar door, great views)
- hungerford hill
- brokenwood
- peppertree wines
- piggs peake
- margan family wines
- the small winemakers centre or boutique winemakers are worth a look for those that don't make a lot - often you'll find some real gems here.
While in Sydney, you could check out a wine bar (or two) to try some other regional wines - shiraz viognier is taking off in Aus at the moment - saw quite a bit in the barossa recently.
Agree with Neil_Oz, the fortifieds of rutherglen are fantastic, love campbells tokay and also stanton and killeen tokay - and I know these are both available in some bottle shops.
Maybe everyone could let John H know their fave pinot, sauv blancs and shiraz wines or wineries so that when he arrives he's got somewhere to start.
Me: Moorilla Estate Pinot (Tasmania), Coldstream Pinot (yarra valley, vic)
Margaret River Sauv Blanc hard to go wrong, like Stella Bella (VERY pretty label). Shiraz: way too many to choose from! Langmeil (Barossa), Wirra Wirra(McLaren Vale), anything hunter but as above, very fond of the big ivanhoe shiraz pressings, but definitely not for everyone!
Raising Your Glass
By far the most knowledgeable wine retailer in Queenstown is Johann Small-Smith of Wine Deli, 40 Shotover St. (tel. 03/442-4482; www.winedeli.com). The store has a full range of Central Otago wines along with many from throughout New Zealand, and Johann knows all the rules and regulations involved in getting your wine home to the other side of the world. Don't overlook the selection of chocolates, cheeses, and salamis. Open daily 10am to 10pm.)
For Australia, I'd get my hands of a copy of one of the wine books - my favourite is James halliday's wine companion (but there are others). It gives overview on wines & wineries in each region. Also, at the Hunter Tourist Information Centre they produce a fantastic Wine Country 'brochure' (it's more like a book) which is also extremely useful. (you can request this from the website www.winecountry.com.au)
My picks in the Hunter, go for a mix of the bigger, well known and the smaller boutique ones.
I like:
- Ivanhoe wines (the shiraz pressings is an alltime fave, if you love big earthy hunter shiraz - someone once told us a mouthful of mud in every glass).
- mcleish estate (smaller, but lovely wines)
- audrey wilkinson (lovely cellar door, great views)
- hungerford hill
- brokenwood
- peppertree wines
- piggs peake
- margan family wines
- the small winemakers centre or boutique winemakers are worth a look for those that don't make a lot - often you'll find some real gems here.
While in Sydney, you could check out a wine bar (or two) to try some other regional wines - shiraz viognier is taking off in Aus at the moment - saw quite a bit in the barossa recently.
Agree with Neil_Oz, the fortifieds of rutherglen are fantastic, love campbells tokay and also stanton and killeen tokay - and I know these are both available in some bottle shops.
Maybe everyone could let John H know their fave pinot, sauv blancs and shiraz wines or wineries so that when he arrives he's got somewhere to start.
Me: Moorilla Estate Pinot (Tasmania), Coldstream Pinot (yarra valley, vic)
Margaret River Sauv Blanc hard to go wrong, like Stella Bella (VERY pretty label). Shiraz: way too many to choose from! Langmeil (Barossa), Wirra Wirra(McLaren Vale), anything hunter but as above, very fond of the big ivanhoe shiraz pressings, but definitely not for everyone!
May 2nd, 2006, 11:43 PM
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We were in the wine business for 10 years with winery in the Hunter (sold up last year). If you go up the Hunter overnight eat dinner at Shakey Tables, very eclectic atmosphere and terrific food.
Scarboroughs on Gillards Rd is well known for his chardonnay.
You will not save money by buying wine at many of the bigger Hunter wineries - Kemeny's at Bondi in Sydney has many of them cheaper (for example, Brokenwood). Go for the smaller boutique cellar doors, rather than the ones in the "resorts"
Scarboroughs on Gillards Rd is well known for his chardonnay.
You will not save money by buying wine at many of the bigger Hunter wineries - Kemeny's at Bondi in Sydney has many of them cheaper (for example, Brokenwood). Go for the smaller boutique cellar doors, rather than the ones in the "resorts"
May 3rd, 2006, 01:59 AM
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I and my wife took a tour to Hunter Valley with Visitours, stopping at a number of small wineries. Of these we enjoyed Ernest Hill the most, both the atmosphere and the wines. The owner claimed they use the ashes of cremated ancestors as fertilizer, and then name the wines after each ancestor... I'm not kidding but maybe he was? Anyhow the wines were very good
http://www.ernesthillwines.com.au/index.php
What I and my wife hadn't realized when we visited the Hunter Valley was that the wines from Australia we were used to drinking tended to be from Southern Australia and thus more full bodied and powerful. We therefore first thought of the Hunter Valley products that there "must be something wrong" as they didn't taste as we remembered that Australian wines (in our view)should taste... Still prefer the more full bodied reds of South and Western Australia.
Second the opinion that you should try the fortified wines, I enjoyed the ports in particular.
http://www.ernesthillwines.com.au/index.php
What I and my wife hadn't realized when we visited the Hunter Valley was that the wines from Australia we were used to drinking tended to be from Southern Australia and thus more full bodied and powerful. We therefore first thought of the Hunter Valley products that there "must be something wrong" as they didn't taste as we remembered that Australian wines (in our view)should taste... Still prefer the more full bodied reds of South and Western Australia.
Second the opinion that you should try the fortified wines, I enjoyed the ports in particular.
May 3rd, 2006, 02:07 AM
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I don't think that you are going to Victoria this time but just in case you are or for future refence here are some names of places to eat that have well regarded food and wine lists / where I have eaten that I think are really good or places to stop / stay that have what you will be looking for and are pretty as well .
YARRA VALLEY
It has become a centre in Victoria for the slow food movement .You need to book for these places . Where I have found their card I give you the details.
The Healesville Hotel - Awarded best country venue in Victoria Epicure awards 2005
Bella Vedere , 874 Maroondah Highway Coldstream Tel.03 59626161. Lovely setting and very intersting food and wine list .Lunches. On the wineries road .
De Bortoli Vineyard . This place has a huge range of wine at mostly low end but their Noble One Botrytis Late Picked Riesling and their better reds are worth tasting .The former is exceptional and whilst not like a French Barsac is a great wine .And you could put a couple of half bottles of that in your bag easily. Cellar for 10 years and then marvel .But good now as well with dessert .
Chateau Yering Station . - Smart accomodation and a plush dining room with great list .
BEECHWORTH
Further afield is Beechworth in North East Vic.. It is an historic town that acts a centre for eating / produce / wine in that region. Look at www.beechworth.com.au .You could go there as part of any tour to Rutherglen ( which if you like fortified wines I heartily endorse especially Stanton and Killeen Tokay )There are several restaurants of note , The Bank and Green Shed I havbe eaten at and were really good.There is very good wine centre that also has antiques. The wine is the real focus . Look for any wines from the King Valley - Pinot , Pinot Grigio , Sangiovese , Nebiolo . Cold in May to September as it is near our ski fields .
Have a great rip
YARRA VALLEY
It has become a centre in Victoria for the slow food movement .You need to book for these places . Where I have found their card I give you the details.
The Healesville Hotel - Awarded best country venue in Victoria Epicure awards 2005
Bella Vedere , 874 Maroondah Highway Coldstream Tel.03 59626161. Lovely setting and very intersting food and wine list .Lunches. On the wineries road .
De Bortoli Vineyard . This place has a huge range of wine at mostly low end but their Noble One Botrytis Late Picked Riesling and their better reds are worth tasting .The former is exceptional and whilst not like a French Barsac is a great wine .And you could put a couple of half bottles of that in your bag easily. Cellar for 10 years and then marvel .But good now as well with dessert .
Chateau Yering Station . - Smart accomodation and a plush dining room with great list .
BEECHWORTH
Further afield is Beechworth in North East Vic.. It is an historic town that acts a centre for eating / produce / wine in that region. Look at www.beechworth.com.au .You could go there as part of any tour to Rutherglen ( which if you like fortified wines I heartily endorse especially Stanton and Killeen Tokay )There are several restaurants of note , The Bank and Green Shed I havbe eaten at and were really good.There is very good wine centre that also has antiques. The wine is the real focus . Look for any wines from the King Valley - Pinot , Pinot Grigio , Sangiovese , Nebiolo . Cold in May to September as it is near our ski fields .
Have a great rip
May 3rd, 2006, 01:11 PM
#10
North of Christchurch, the Waipara Valley was easy to reach. Pegasus Bay has a nice tasting room and restaurant, the Sauv/Sem blend is a bit different and they also do Pinot Noir. Waipara Springs is another good one.
In Central Otago my favorites were Mt. Difficulty and Peregrine.
In Central Otago my favorites were Mt. Difficulty and Peregrine.
May 3rd, 2006, 11:42 PM
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Living just around the corner from the Hunter wineries (hic!)we're off this weekend to experience the Denman Food and Wine Affair, featuring the lesser-visited Upper Hunter wineries such as Rosemount, and local cheeses & olives. The main street of Denman (pop. 1600) will be closed to traffic for the event (6 May)and it should be a lot of fun. One wine that I'm eager to taste - just on the delightfullness of its name - is Cruikshanks Callatoota!
http://www.visitdenman.com.au/foodandwine.htm
The pic on the website showing last year's event made me smile - in the foreground is a big yellow 'n green VB beer sign
http://www.visitdenman.com.au/foodandwine.htm
The pic on the website showing last year's event made me smile - in the foreground is a big yellow 'n green VB beer sign
May 4th, 2006, 08:00 PM
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I'm a fan of Villa Maria Sauvignon Blanc, but I'm not sure where their winery is located.
I had some Monkey Bay SB tonight which was quite good; the bottle says they are located in Marlborough.
Lee Ann
I had some Monkey Bay SB tonight which was quite good; the bottle says they are located in Marlborough.
Lee Ann
May 8th, 2006, 04:40 AM
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Rockfords in the Barossa make two wines that for sheer power and flavour you can't go past them. The basket Press Shiraz is a classic Australian BIG red and the Sparkling Black Shiraz will force you to become a sparkling shiraz fan ! Talk to Rocky O'Callaghan at the cellar door!
May 8th, 2006, 05:37 PM
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My favourite are from the Pegasus Bay winery in North Canterbury, New Zealand.
Here is a list of award winning New Zealand wines
http://www.newzealandatoz.com/airnewzealandwines.php
I am thirsty just thinking about them.
Enjoy
Here is a list of award winning New Zealand wines
http://www.newzealandatoz.com/airnewzealandwines.php
I am thirsty just thinking about them.
Enjoy
