Wine Travel Stories

In-depth Tales of Winery Visits Around the World

Margaret River – Western Australia

I want to go back here again! I didn’t have enough time – only 2 days, and it rained one day, but this is one of the most beautiful places on earth. It has pure white sandy beaches (see photo), a warm turquoise ocean, and over 120 wineries close by. What is not to love? I flew into Perth and drove 3.5 hours south to Margaret River which is on a peninsula in the south part of Western Australia and surrounded by water on 3 sides (the Antarctic Ocean, the Indian Ocean, and Geographe Bay). First stop was the famous [...]

By Dr. Liz Thach, MW|2021-01-24T00:31:59-08:00March 31, 2008|

Barossa – Greenock Creek Winery

This was the third time I had visited the Barossa - -the first time in 1995 when I went to Yalumba, Wolf Blass, and Penfolds. Then again in 2003 when I visited Wolf Blass again – for the whole day -- as well as Penfolds Grange near Adelaide and Rockford. This time, I went to a small winery that I hadn’t heard of in the U.S., but apparently is a cult winery in Australia -- called Greenock Creek. In fact, while in Rutherglen I had someone recommend I visit because he said “the wine will change your life.” I think [...]

By Dr. Liz Thach, MW|2021-01-24T00:32:17-08:00March 30, 2008|

Adelaide Hills

It actually snows in Adelaide Hills in the winter time in Australia, because it is a higher elevation north of the town of Adelaide. It is very beautiful and filled with charming little towns. The main winery I visited here was called The Lane where the owner was kind enough to give us a tour of his state of the art equipment. It was brand-new and spotless with an amazing basket press and a mistral which is a windblower that sorts the grapes. He also had his own nitrogen generator, Mueller stainless barrels that rolled on their own racks for [...]

By Dr. Liz Thach, MW|2021-01-24T00:32:35-08:00March 30, 2008|

Eden Valley – Henschke Winery

Eden Valley is a small appellation right next to Barossa, but is hillier and considered cooler in climate. One of the most famous wineries in Australia is here - -Henschke. They are known for their very famous Hill of Grace vineyard with its 150 + year old shiraz grapes that create a wine that is rich, dark and chocolately. I met with Pru, the viticulture manager and she described the farming processes in Hill of Grace. I also had a wonderful tour of the winery and tasted through the wines that were available, but Hill of Grace had already sold [...]

By Dr. Liz Thach, MW|2020-12-25T06:25:50-08:00March 30, 2008|

The Clare Valley

I left McClaren Vale at 8am on Tuesday morning and drove north towards Clare Valley. They told me the trip would only take about 2 hours, but I got lost in Adelaide and didn’t arrive in Clare until 11am – just in time for my second appointment with the Annie’s Lane winemaker. He let me taste 6 different Rieslings from different vintages and terroirs – which were quite fascinating. We went through the complete winemaking process, but they were unable to show me the winery because the wine is made at Blass in the Barossa. Transporting the wine to another [...]

By Dr. Liz Thach, MW|2021-01-24T00:32:58-08:00March 24, 2008|

Wine Tasting in McClaren Vale

Since my relatives (Uncle Gary and Aunt Marilyn) live in McClaren Vale, I have spent the most time visiting wineries and tasting in this region. It is just 30 minutes south of Adelaide and quite close to the ocean. There are lovely vineyards on the hillsides and big gum trees, as well as small charming towns and the ocean with white sand beaches near by. Quite an enjoyable place to live. On Sunday afternoon, I had an interview at Noons and was able to tour the vineyards and winery. A very special small winery with an allocated wine list. I [...]

By Dr. Liz Thach, MW|2021-01-24T00:33:16-08:00March 24, 2008|

Kangaroos in McClaren Vale

On Sunday, I drove to Uncle Gary and Aunt Marilyn’s house in McClaren Vale. They have an 80 acre ranch just outside the own on the hills above the vineyards. The nearest wineries are Wirra Wirra and Noon’s. Gary and I spent the afternoon wine tasting and then went 4-wheel driving on the property in search of kangaroos. I was amazed at how many we saw – at least 15 that evening but they are difficult to catch on camera (see video & photo). To date, I have now seen at least 40 kangaroos on their property – some are [...]

By Dr. Liz Thach, MW|2021-01-24T00:33:35-08:00March 24, 2008|

Festival and Fun in Adelaide

I flew from Melbourne to Adelaide on Wednesday evening, Feb. 27 and spent the next 2 days at the University of South Australia doing research. Since festival was going on, I got to experience some of the wonderful exhibits and music. On Friday night we saw the light show and dance on North Terrace and had a nice party at Armando’s. Saturday, I picked grapes in McClaren Vale and attended a Harvest BBQ in the morning and afternoon, then returned to a BBQ at Larry and Janet’s house in Adelaide. A long fun day of eating and drinking incredible wines. [...]

By Dr. Liz Thach, MW|2020-12-25T06:24:41-08:00March 24, 2008|

Visiting in the Wineries of Rutherglen Australia

Emily provided excellent driving directions from Jasper Hill to Rutherglen, and I therefore took the backroads of Victoria and rarely passed another car. However, I did pass two dead kangaroos – one in the very center of the road – that had been hit my cars. Ugh. I guess they are like deer here – very plentiful. There were many signs saying to watch out for both kangaroos and koala bears, though I did not see any of the latter. Regardless, it was still a long drive and I arrived in Rutherglen around 3:30 and stopped at the Visitor’s Center. [...]

By Dr. Liz Thach, MW|2020-12-25T06:24:26-08:00February 29, 2008|

Heathcote & Jasper Hill Winery

http://www.jasperhill.com/spirit.asp On Tuesday morning, I called Jasper Hill to see if they were harvesting grapes, and fortunately for me they had decided to wait until Thursday. Therefore, they gave me driving directions from Melbourne and I passed through a beautiful country-side of rolling hills, eucalyptus and huge rock formations. Arriving in Heathcote – part of the Goldfields Country of Victoria – I was charmed by the little town and the Visitor’s Center. They provided a winery map and I was easily able to make my way to Jasper Hill where Emily, Ron, and Elva met me and provided a wonderful [...]

By Dr. Liz Thach, MW|2020-12-25T06:24:11-08:00February 29, 2008|

The Yarra Valley + Video

A beautiful valley surrounded by mountains, with small wineries and charming little towns. It is known for its pinot noirs and chardonnays. About a one hour drive from Melbourne, there are no direct highways – and you must spend time driving on the left side of some very windy and hilly roads. I managed to only go the wrong way twice and ran over 3 curbs; turned my windshield wipers on about 10 times, but otherwise the drive was fine. I arrived in the small town of Yarra Glen first and followed a sign that said wineries, but they were [...]

By Dr. Liz Thach, MW|2020-12-25T06:23:56-08:00February 29, 2008|

The Flight Over to Oz

After a nice filet migon dinner at Harris's SteakHouse in San Francisco with Zia and Mike, I headed to SFO airport. Of course my upgrade to business class didn't come through because the plane was full, but since we left at 10:20pm, I took an Ambien and was asleep before lift off. I awoke 8 hours later and got to know my seat mates -- a girl from Syndey who gave me driving advice for Australia and an American rock band member from Michigan. He was on a world-wide band tour with his 5 friends, and I learned how tough [...]

By Dr. Liz Thach, MW|2020-12-25T06:23:40-08:00February 25, 2008|

Packing for the Trip

Have successfully scheduled several winery appointments and also have been invited to help pick grapes and assist with crush in the McLarenvale. Busy packing and praying to get upgrade to business class. Bad storm coming into the Bay Area today. Hope it won't delay the plane. Let's think positively!

By Dr. Liz Thach, MW|2020-12-25T06:23:18-08:00February 23, 2008|

Photo From My Vineyard

By Dr. Liz Thach, MW|2021-01-24T00:30:11-08:00February 18, 2008|

Trying to Schedule Winery Appointments

I leave for Australia in less than 6 days now, and am desperately attempting to set-up some appointments at wineries. Of course, since I am going close to grape harvest, this is difficult because everyone is so busy. However, I've had much help from friends and am getting closer to confirming some appointments. I also think I may just drop by some of the wineries and see if I can help out.

By Dr. Liz Thach, MW|2020-12-25T06:23:00-08:00February 18, 2008|

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