Keeping it in the family: Wirra Wirra gains new/old vineyard

Wirra Wirra is to acquire the 70+-year-old Trott Vineyard in Blewitt Springs, one of Australia’s most significant grenache sites.

Wirra Wirra announced today that it will work with Thistledown Wines, the current owners, who will retain a portion of the fruit for their own releases.

The Trott name has long been synonymous with Wirra Wirra. The former owners, Sue and the late Roger Trott, rebuilt Wirra Wirra with Roger’s cousin Greg back in 1969.

Planted in 1952 on deep Maslin sands, Trott Vineyard is "known for grenache of exceptional perfume, purity and structure".

Wirra Wirra will assume ownership and management of the vineyard, while Thistledown will continue to purchase half of the fruit under a long-term agreement.

“Trott Vineyard is a rare asset in Australian wine,” said Matthew Deller MW, CEO of Wirra Wirra. “Its fruit produces a style of grenache that stands comfortably alongside the great sites of the world.

"We are committed to protecting its identity and working with Thistledown, whose achievements with the vineyard have played a vital role in elevating McLaren Vale grenache internationally.

“Given the exceptional quality of the fruit, the growing global reputation of McLaren Vale grenache and the Trott, Wirra Wirra connection, it was an opportunity our family ownership could not let slip by.”

Vineyard management will be led by Wirra Wirra viticulturist Anton Groffen, with a focus on preserving original vine material and maintaining the site’s structural and soil integrity.

Family-owned and established in 1894, Wirra Wirra is one of McLaren Vale’s most respected wineries. Its certified organic estate vineyards and biodynamic practices underpin flagship wines including Church Block, RSW Shiraz and The Absconder Grenache. 

The group also includes Ashton Hills and Hahndorf Hill in the Adelaide Hills.

Thistledown was founded in 2010 by Giles Cooke MW and Paddy Gilhooly. It specialises in small-batch grenache, shiraz and chardonnay.

How about 52 days at sea to sample "slow travel"?

Slow travel, particularly for retirees, or those with time on their hands, is a growing trend. 

How about taking your time and visiting 26 ports on one cruise? One such offering is Windstar Cruises' 52-day sailing from Singapore to Papeete, designed for those who want to take time and chill out. 

The cruise is being promoted as an example of the shift away from short, fast holidays to longer, more immersive travel, particularly for the retiree market - albeit those with cash to splash. 

The cost of this extravagance exploring Polynesia, Melanesia, Micronesia, and south-east Asia. comes in at under $500 per person per day. 

The 52-Day Cruise for Travellers Who Finally Have Time, is the Star Collector: Grand South Pacific Adventure. 

With prices starting from $21,553 per person and stops at ports throughout the South Pacific, the deal includes wifi, dining, unlimited select beers, wines and cocktails, gratuities, accommodation and more - if you snap up an "early bird" offer.

Windstar says: "This is slow travel at its most rewarding. Instead of ticking off one or two islands, guests will journey across the entire South Pacific, whether it’s French Polynesia’s biosphere reserves and the Marquesas’ dramatic valleys, or the lagoons of the Cook Islands and Tonga’s royal heritage".

The journey traverses Tonga, Fiji, Vanuatu, the Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea with overnight stays in destinations like Bora Bora, Fiji, Bali and Papeete, plus repeat visits to Moorea. 

The days at sea offers the chance to slow down, recharge and enjoy the simple luxury of uninterrupted time. It all sounds rather enticing. 

For more info see the Windstar Australia website or call 1300 749875. 

The website is a bit glitchy, however. I seriously doubt the cruise calls at Flissengen (Antwerp) on Day 21. That would be a serious diversion.

Peppina and Hellyers Road combine for a taste of Tasmania

One of Hobart's leading restaurants has teamed with one of Tasmania's top whisky distilleries for a one-off dinner to showcase the best of the Apple Isle. 

The Tasman Hotel’s Peppina Restaurant and chef Massimo Mele will combine with Hellyers Road Distillery to host Off the Press: Orchard & Oak, a celebration of single malt whisky and Tasmanian produce.

Mark in next Friday, March 27, at 7pm. 

At a cost of $160, guests will gather in the atmospheric Printing Room at Peppina (below) for a three-course menu by celebrity chef Massimo Mele, showcasing the Tasmanian launch of Hellyers Road's Peaches 20-year single cask release.

Menu highlights will include heirloom tomato crostinis, grilled prawns, potato gnocchi, dry-aged Angus sirloin steak, and a peach tart and amaretto crumble to finish. 

Along with the launch of the Peaches, whisky tastings paired with the food include a 12-year American Oak Single Malt Whisky and a Double Cask American & French Oak Single Malt Whisky.

Established in 1997, Hellyers Road Distillery is based in Burnie in north-west Tasmania. 

Should you be tempted, bookings are available here: 

https://www.sevenrooms.com/experiences/peppinahbalc/off-the-press-orchard-oak-4807792460873728

Cool times: Where to chase - and drink - giant icebergs

Anyone for Iceberg Alley?

Any day now, these giant beasts will start drifting past the coasts of the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Dozens, maybe even hundreds of them, local tourism authorities promise.

Newfound and Labrador is one of the best places in the world to go iceberg hunting - dramatic giant cubes of ice - with 90% of each one under the icy water.

Icebergs are edges of glaciers that have broken off and slipped into the ocean.

Roughly 90% of icebergs seen off Newfoundland and Labrador come from the glaciers of western Greenland, while the rest come from glaciers in Canada's Arctic.

Icebergs are so plentiful that locals put them to good use.

You can drink iceberg water straight, as in Berg water, or in spirits like iceberg vodka, gin, and rum. There is even an Iceberg Beer. brewed by Quidi Vidi with pure 20,000 year-old iceberg water.

They might taste good, but icebergs can also be dangerous. Remember The Titanic?

See https://www.newfoundlandlabrador.com/things-to-do/iceberg-viewing

Image: Phil Raby

Meet a $35 two-course business lunch in Melbourne CBD

How does a two-course business lunch served within the hour sound?

Even better, with a price tag of $35 - almost unheard of in the Melbourne CBD.

I've just added French-Italian La Madonna’s new lunch menu to my list for next time I am in bleak city and need sustanance.

The $35 for two courses menu in the Next Hotel complex is designed by head chef Jacopo Degli Esposti (Italian-born and Paris trained) and draws upon his Italian heritage.



La Madonna is now open up for lunch Tuesday to Friday 12pm-2pm with an entrée and main to choose, or three courses for $45 (entrée, main and pasta).

Menu options includesteak frites with pepper sauce; poached and roasted octopus with caponata and gremolata; or beef cheek bourguignon.

Desserts like tiramisu and lemon popsicle can be added, while there is also an option to upgrade with sides like cauliflower gratin.

The menu is designed to be served quicker than at dinner service - built around 40-minute reservations to suit office workers and business lunches.

La Madonna is at Level 3, 103 Little Collins Street, Melbourne.

Behind-the-scenes voice to grace 2023 The Signature

It takes more than a viticulturist and a winemaker to produce a flagship wine for a major wine company.

Think grape pickers, designers, marketers, cellar staff, sales people and wordsmiths among many playing a role.

May 1 will see the release of the 52nd vintage of Yalumba The Signature Cabernet Sauvignon & Shiraz, with the 2023 vintage dedicated to a man whose words have graced the wine's labels for more than three decades: Peter Sawrey.

Each year, The Signature honours an individual who has made a profound contribution to Yalumba’s culture and traditions.

The person honoured is chosen by fifth-generation proprietor Robert Hill-Smith.

Since 1994, Sawrey has written the back label story for every vintage of The Signature; interviewing each Signatory, distilling their character and contribution, and translating Yalumba’s history into the words that travel with every bottle around the world.

Jessica Hill-Smith says: "Sawrey's storytelling has become as intrinsic to The Signature as the blend itself,"

“An authentic wine must have an authentic recipient, and the 2023 wine is a ripper,” said her father, Robert Hill-Smith.

“The Signatory dedication is an important tradition for our family business. It is wonderful to see it 
grow within our company, with the wine trade, and with people drinking The Signature around the
world.”

Sawrey joined Yalumba in 1988, contributing across events and marketing, and became a custodian of the brand’s narrative. It was in 1994 that Hill-Smith first asked him to interview Peter “PJ” Wall for the back label of the 1990 vintage. What followed was more than three decades of conversations.

Even after retiring from Yalumba in 2009, Sawrey was still invited to write The Signature’s back label.

On being named the 2023 Signatory, Sawrey said: “I am moved. I have dreamt about this day. I have 
enjoyed writing the stories of Yalumba’s Signatories all these years, and now I look forward to writing
my own!”

The wine was made by another Yalumba retiree, Kevin Glastonbury, and I will report back when I have tried it.

Pre-release purchases are available via yalumba.com. RRP $74.