Tag: Vineyard

McWilliams Winery, Hunter Valley

McWilliams Winery, Hunter Valley

Posted on by tduchess

McWilliams is more than pleasant!

There are many good wines coming out of the Hunter Valley region these days. However, none are more quintessentially Hunter than an aged McWilliams Semillon. The vineyard itself, founded in 1921 by the late and great Maurice O’Shea, McWilliams is one of Australia’s largest owned family wine companies.

I know KAM and I will disagree on this, but when it comes to Semillon, McWilliams do it the best. I have been collecting these wines for years, and if stored correctly, they just get better and better with age. The Lovedale is one of their flagship Semillons and with grapes coming from vines planted in 1946; this Semillon definitely packs a good punch. It’s won a thousand awards too, so I know it’s not just me who loves it.

In my opinion though, my favourite of all time is the Elizabeth. Whether you go a bottle of the Cellar Aged or something more recent, this wine bursts full of flavours and includes hints of green apple and lime. Best served super cold, this beautiful wine will compliment any meal. If you look at my collection or in my fridge chilling, you will see many of these beautiful Semillons on any given day of the week. Some of the vintages we have shared such as 2002, 2006 and 2007 have made for an epic experience. When you pour a glass and the deep honey colour sits in the glass like a nectar from the gods you cant help but enjoy!

Some more recent additions to their wine list and my collection are the Singing in the Rain and B-Side ranges. With fun flavours and pretty labels, any dinner party guests will be happy if this on the table when they arrive.

If you are a red drinker, and a fan of big bold reds that are full of winter flavours, you cannot skip this vineyard! My two favourites are the Philip and the Old Paddock and Old Hill Shiraz. They are richly intense and full of distinction and definitely the sign of a red drinker who knows what they are talking about!

If you do visit the vineyard, take your time at the cellar door and chat to the guys who have been serving here forever. They know their vintage McWilliams wines and are happy to share their knowledge or chat to you about previous years you might still have within your collection. You see their eyes light up at the mention of an old vintage, that they know is good and are wondering how it still in the bottle un-drunk, and almost invite themselves to your home to share it.

If you have the time, while away the afternoon here. Don’t bother to rush anywhere else.

Mount Pleasant Wines
401 Marrowbone Road
Pokolbin NSW 2320
Phone: (02) 4998 7505
http://mountpleasantwines.com.au/

Hope, love & a whole lot of music!

Hope, love & a whole lot of music!

Posted on by tduchess

‘Booyah’ is more than a word – it is a way of life! 

But what does it mean to be Booyah? Our definition of this is: cool without pretence or judgement. Into each other without being show-ponies. Sophisticated without attitude. Relaxed, yet aware. Status without arrogance. Dripping in indulgence without splashing the cash. Living the high life but remembering where we came from.  

It was given to us like a gift at the place where Booyah is best defined – Hope Estate, in the NSW Hunter Valley. When it comes to Booyah only the best will do – and Hope Estate know just how to do it. 

There are a number of venues in the Hunter now offering big name acts in concert, and they all do it well. However ‘Hope’ seems to get the biggest and the best acts and if you are going to be dancing around in a muddy paddock after dark, then you MUST do it in style. ‘Style’ however does not mean a high pair of heels and a short dress – remember ladies, you will be in a paddock!  

Hope Estate offers a number of great packages in which to enjoy big headline acts on their epic-sized stage. But our favourite of all is the Cocktail Package. Ranging in price dependant on the artist, this package is 100% worth the cost with inclusions from plentiful food and wine, a great spot to watch the support act as the sun goes down and of course, a VIP seat within inches of the main act – no picnic blankets required.  

The lanyard issued as you breeze past the line at the main gate allows you to enjoy the night in a way most cannot, and you will find yourself feeling special everywhere you go. Then of course, you are escorted to your seat. At that point, although you realise you’re close, you really have no idea what you are in for.  

Sitting meters away from superstars such as Sir Elton John and Alicia Keys, the music engulfs you and you wonder

The Stage comes alive after dark!
The Stage comes alive after dark!

whether this is all real or just an amazing dream. Just like a good dream, I guarantee you definitely will not want it to end! As the sun goes down and the lights come up, do yourself a favour and look back. The sight is impossible to put into words, as there is a sea of people all dancing and singing to the same tune. We can’t help ourselves and even though it’s tight, we are dancing too, loving every moment of the experience. 

Taking a moment to head up the hill to the food and wine stalls also gives you a great chance to breath, take in the view and enjoy a nice glass of wine, away from the center of the action for a while. It is impressive as you see thousands of people enjoying the show just as much as you are. As Sir Elton sings Tiny Dancer, all the stars seem to align and twinkle in time with the music. This is not just Booyah – it’s magic. 

There is no doubt that doing a VIP package at Hope Estate is expensive. But if you want value for money, a little bit of luxury and a whole lot of Booyah, a ‘Hope’ VIP package is the only way to go. 

Hope Estate
2213 Broke Road,
Pokolbin NSW 2320
www.hopeestate.com.au
Ph: 02 4993 3555